Whoever said that health is wealth was right. Your health is undoubtedly the most crucial aspect of your life. That said, your habits define your health status – this concerns what you eat, how frequently you exercise, and your mind’s condition, etc.
This article explores the latest trends in men’s health.
Don’t Man Up
According to the World Health Organisation, in high-income countries, men commit suicide three times as much as women. Despite this, more females seek formal mental health treatment than males. Why is this happening?
The primary reason why men don’t seek help is the cultural stigma associated with mental illness. Besides being considered ‘weak,’ some people think that depressed men are dangerous and can snap out anytime. Because of this stigma, many males are reluctant to seek treatment for mental disorders.
The problem with holding back sad emotions is that it worsens the situation. You might find yourself abusing alcohol and other drugs, and this can exacerbate the condition and increase the risk of developing health conditions. This is why you shouldn’t ‘man up,’ even if society thinks it’s embarrassing for a man to seek help.
Instead, seek support from friends and family. If these two can’t help you, it would be best to start going for therapy sessions.
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is useful when you want to regulate weight and improve overall health. Although it’s not a new practice, more people are incorporating it into their lives. An example of intermittent fasting is when you fail to eat in 16 hours and consume food within the remaining eight. Some people choose to eat once daily and fast for days.
When done correctly, intermittent fasting can help you lose weight. However, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist before making dietary changes. This particularly applies to people below 18, underweight individuals, and those with terminal illnesses.
Plant Protein Prolongs Life
Protein helps men maintain muscle mass and strength as they grow older. Studies show that the protein source dictates how long you live. Generally, people who prefer plant protein to eggs and meat tend to have a lower risk of death.
But how much protein do you need? Researchers discovered that every 10 grams of plant protein per 1,000 calories consumed reduces the risk of death by 12%. If you eat more, the benefits increase.
Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder is a urinary disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to urinate. Its symptoms include difficulty to start urinating, forcing urine to come out, and having a weak urine system.
The primary cause of overactive bladder is an enlarged prostate. This occurs as men age, but it might also be a sign of prostate cancer. If the prostate enlarges, it disrupts the flow of urine to the urethra.
Other causes of overactive bladder include bladder stones, constipation, obesity, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, mobility issues, etc. The symptoms of overactive bladder can affect a person’s self-esteem, which is why most patients are reluctant to seek medical attention.
Male Breast Cancer
Because of its rarity, doctors usually diagnose male breast cancer cases in the later stages. Knowing the signs of this condition can help you get early treatment.
Breast cancer affects men differently since they have smaller breast tissue than women. While this makes it easier to detect small lumps, it also means that there is less room for the tumor to grow. For this reason, it can spread to nearby tissues faster.
Common symptoms of breast cancer in men include a painless lump in one breast, nipple discharge and ulceration, and scaling of the skin around the breast area. If the cancer spreads to other tissues, you might experience swelling in the lymph glands in the underarm area, breast pain, and bone pain.
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, the doctor will suggest one or a combination of remedies. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and estrogen hormone therapy.
New Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
Scientists are always looking for new ways to combat erectile dysfunction. Although they base most of the new remedies on existing options like devices, oral drugs, and injections, they are also considering stem cell therapy.
The most common treatment for ED is oral medications such as Viagra and Stendra. These work by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to the penis.
Creams are the secondary treatment option for erectile dysfunction. They are safer alternatives to oral medication for people taking other drugs, especially alpha-blockers, nitrates, and antihypertensive agents.
Platelet-rich Plasma therapy involves the injection of platelets into the body to grow new blood vessels and repair damaged tissue. Although it’s not as popular as the other methods used to treat ED, early research shows that patients are more tolerant of it.
Penis implants and pumps are ideal for patients who don’t want to use drugs or get injected. Implants are now better than before, with added durability and a lower risk of infections.
Scientists are working on using stem cell therapy to treat erectile dysfunction. They believe that it can be useful in treating some forms of ED, particularly the ones caused by damages to the endothelial cells in the blood vessel walls.
Stem cell therapy involves the introduction of new cells to stimulate the development of new endothelial cells. This helps treat erectile dysfunction. However, concerns over the acquisition, preparation, and delivery of stem cells mean that this method is far from becoming the preferred remedy for ED.
Conclusion
Most men pay less attention to their health than women. Compared to females, males are more likely to smoke tobacco and drink alcohol, make risky choices, and visit the doctor less frequently.
Most of the diseases that affect men are avoidable if you make lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding stressful situations. Visiting the doctor frequently can also help in early diagnosis when diseases are easy to treat.
Don’t be like most men – change your habits, and you will live a happier and healthier life.
