Men’s Health: Prevention Is Key to a Healthy Life, a Must Read Article for men

More and more research shows that health, rather than genetics, is a consequence of life choices and habits. Healthy habits and preventive health monitoring are the path to aging with quality of life. But men tend to pay less attention to health and have fewer medical appointments. 

A survey from the Center for Reference in normal testosterone levels in men’s Health in Sao Paulo shows that 70% of the males who seek a doctor’s office had the influence of the woman or their children. The study also reveals that more than half of these patients have postponed going to the doctor and have arrived with advanced diseases. If you want to know more information about testosterone levels in men read this article.

Brazilian men live on average 7.2 years less than women. Among the causes of premature death are violence and traffic accidents, as well as cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks. Therefore, in 2009, the Ministry of Health implemented the National Policy for Integral Attention to Human Health. One of the main objectives is to promote health actions that contribute to the understanding of the masculine singular reality and to provide a better reception in the Unified Health System (SUS).

Angelita Herrmann, coordinator of Human Health at the Ministry of Health, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness of the importance of caring for men. “We must draw men’s attention to self-care. Man is not super hero, they need to break the myth of being strong all the time. This culture of not looking at oneself is what causes men to die before women, “he said.

Adoption of healthy habits, regular physical activity, balanced eating, and the moderate use of alcoholic beverages are crucial to reduce these preventable diseases. Early identification of diseases increases the chances of an effective treatment. Changes in eating habits, with less fatty and ultra-processed foods are key. Avoiding these risky behaviors is the key to a longer and healthier life, “said the coordinator.

Frequently checking normal testosterone levels, blood pressure and monitoring cholesterol levels are important to avoid chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Other important tests to be performed are sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV testing, hepatitis B (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV).

Men over 50 years of age and with symptoms of prostate problems, such as difficulty urinating, poor urine flow, or feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder should see a doctor to investigate the problem. It is possible that other diseases such as a urinary tract infection are causing the symptoms. In Brazil, prostate cancer is the second most common among men (behind only non-melanoma skin cancer). In absolute terms, it is the sixth most common type in the world and the most prevalent in men, accounting for about 10% of all cancers.

For those with a family history of prostate cancer (father or brother) before age 60 and asymptomatic, the recommendation is also to consult a doctor, since only he can advise about the risks and benefits of conducting the exams. Available evidence has shown that periodic rectal examination and PSA dosing in asymptomatic men resulted in a minimal reduction in prostate cancer mortality, but with a significant increase in damage to the screened population, leading to a recommendation not to organize screening programs for this type of cancer. All procedures must be requested by the health professional, respecting the protocols established by the Ministry of Health. Other precautions, such as self-examination of testicles and penis, are important.

It is worth remembering that prostate cancer is considered of old age, since ¾ of the cases happen from the 65 years and the risk can be greater in who has a family history of the disease. There are still no adequate tests for prostate cancer screening and the best alternative today is to maintain a healthy diet, not to smoke, be physically active and visit your doctor regularly.

Some symptoms may show changes in the reproductive system, especially in the prostate. They are: 

• Difficulty urinating 

• Need to urinate more often (especially at night) 

• Urgency to urinate 

• Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow 

• Poor, reduced or interrupted urine flow 

• Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.

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