Lifestyle changes can help senior men fight common health concerns.
In this month of celebrating Dad, it is the right time to take measures to guarantee the men in our life are as healthy and physically fit as they can be. In addition to Father’s Day, June is also designated as Men’s Health Month – something we all need to pay attention to, as men are less likely than women to go to the doctor, in spite of a decreased life expectancy and a greater tendency for a full 14 out of 15 of the leading factors behind death.
Editor in Chief for the American Journal of Men’s Health, Demetrius Porche, DNS, RN, sums it up: “Men put their health last. Most men’s thinking is, if they can live up to their roles in society, then they’re healthy.”
Encourage the older men in your life to take a proactive position to healthcare to help reduce their potential of being diagnosed with these leading men’s health concerns:
- Cardiovascular disease. Followed by stroke, cardiovascular disease is the top reason behind death globally, and American men are at a particularly heightened danger. Precautionary measures to take consist of monitoring (and managing) cholesterol and blood pressure, and adopting healthier diet and lifestyle choices which should include eating lots of fruits and veggies, exercising, and quitting smoking.
- Prostate cancer. It is estimated that as many as 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this coming year alone. Men need to speak to their doctors for a recommendation on prostate cancer screenings.
- Diabetes. Diabetes is a specific concern for males, as it sometimes starts off without displaying any outward symptoms prior to advancing to a dangerous level, that could lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, blindness and amputations. Studies have shown that men who work out a minimum of thirty minutes a day can cut the chance of developing diabetes in half.
- Lung cancer. Nearly 90% of lung cancer cases stem from smoking; and the good news is, non-smoking men are at an excellent advantage in preventing the disease. If your loved one smokes, encourage him to consult with a doctor for help with stopping.
- Depression. Men are just as likely to be impacted by depression as women; however, are more inclined to brush their thoughts and feelings under the rug rather than to seek help. Yet it is important to understand that depression is a treatable affliction – and left untreated, can result in suicidal thoughts. And even though women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to carry out an attempt to completion.
At Grace Home Care, our priority is to make sure that the older adults in our care are as healthy and well as possible, and enjoying life to the fullest. If you’re concerned about the health of a senior man in your life, we’re available to help in a number of ways: transportation to medical appointments, preparation of healthy meals, encouragement to be involved in exercise programs, and pleasant companionship to help keep isolation – a significant contributor to depression in older adults – at bay. Contact us at 785-286-2273 to find out more about our top-rated caregivers and home health in Topeka and the surrounding areas!