Men shouldn’t neglect healthcare





Families want their husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles and grandfathers to live long, healthy lives. But men often neglect healthcare and physician appointments.

“Unfortunately, men’s tendencies to skip routine doctor visits and just tough things out set them up for unforeseen complications and particular health risks,” said Dr. Carl Hastings, Reliv International’s chief scientific officer. “But by being proactive and following a few simple steps, they can significantly improve their quality of life and lessen their chances of being stricken with disease.”

Following are tips to help avoid the onset of some of the most common male-specific health conditions.

•According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in men. Hasting recommends that men control their cholesterol levels with plenty of exercise and a diet low in saturated fat. Supplements of plant-based compounds known as phytosterols have also shown to have a positive effect.

•One of the most common cancers to afflict American men, prostate cancer, develops from both genetic and dietary factors. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can lower the risk. Supplements of Vitamin E and selenium may also play a role in prevention.

•Diabetes is a disease that should be prevented if possible. While losing excess weight will lesson the chances of developing the condition, it is also advised that men have their blood glucose levels tested regularly to determine the risk of onset. The addition of certain plantbased ingredients, such as cinnamon, to the diet may help mange blood sugar levels.

•Many men have habits that are detrimental to their health. According to the CDC, 24 percent of men smoke, a habit that can lead to high blood pressure, emphysema, lung cancer and other conditions. Of men age 20 and older, 72 percent are overweight and 31 percent in this group have hypertension.

This article was provided by Reliv International.


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