Men are the backbone of the American economy. Everywhere you look, you’ll find men. They are running most of the Fortune Five Hundred companies. They hold offices of power, from Mayor to Governor all the way up to President of the United States of America.
Men run businesses, charities, and investment firms. They run marathons, errands, and the occasional community rummage sale.
With all that they juggle, there’s one thing that many men tend to forget about: their own health. Maybe it’s because they’re always on the go. Maybe it’s because they think it’s not manly to take vitamins and exercise regularly and cut back on junk carbs.
No matter what the reason is, the results are clear. In America, men are expected to live, on average, five years less than their female counterparts. Click here for a more thorough breakdown of life expectancy rates in America.
Don’t worry. If you are a man, there is a lot you can do to improve your quality of life and possibly extend it by several years of more.
Testosterone Falls as You Age
Everyone has heard of the hormone named testosterone. It is the chemical responsible for changing your body during puberty. It makes your voice deeper, your bones stronger, and influences your sex drive.
So what happens as you age and your testosterone levels start to fall?
One common symptom is depression. That’s right; the changing chemical levels in your brain can actually cause you to experience depression. But what does that look like?
If you find yourself more tired than you used to be, it may be a symptom of this mental condition. If you find it hard to get the motivation to do the things you used to love, that could also be due to depression.
Take note of your mood. If you’re angry, irritable, or withdrawn much of the time, it could be because you are suffering from depression. You may want to consult with your doctor to find out more.
Fortunately, having less testosterone is something that can easily be fixed. There are several over-the-counter supplements that can help to increase your testosterone. But the solution might be even easier than that.
If you’re like most Americans, you may suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency. If you do, you’re not alone. More than ninety percent of all Americans do not get the Vitamin D they need on a daily basis. Luckily, there is a quick fix for this problem.
That’s because our body is able to make Vitamin D simply through our skin’s contact with the sun. Depending on where you live and your skin tone, you may be able to get your daily recommended dose in as little as fifteen minutes outside.
Watch Out for Heart Disease
The number one killer of men in America is heart disease.
Heart attacks are commonly caused by a buildup of plaque in your arteries. Risk factors for this disease include being overweight, smoking, and encountering a high degree of stress.
The good news is that there is much you can do in order to help prevent heart disease.
One thing you can do is to eat more fruits and veggies. Yes, broccoli can help save your life. Maybe that’s why Mom was always piling it on your plate.
Of course, you can also help prevent heart disease by quitting smoking. There are many programs available to help you beat your addiction. Although it can be challenging, the results will be worth it.
Even though it isn’t possible to eliminate stress from your life, you may find that a system of stress management can be beneficial.
Love Counts
Did you know that married men tend to live, on average, ten years more than their single counterparts?
There are many factors that go into this. Some sociologists believe that it’s because married men benefit from the presence of their wives.
It helps to have someone to help remind you to take your medication on time. It’s beneficial to have someone there to remind you that you quit smoking ten years ago, Harold, so go ahead and put that cigarette right out before you start smoking it.
Sure, these are all little things, but they all add up.
Another way that having a wife can help increase your life span is through regular sexual intercourse. Having a healthy sexual relationship can help bond you and your partner together.
It also releases serotonin, otherwise known as one of our brain’s “happy chemicals.” This helps to fight the aging process. In addition, the act of lovemaking is a form of exercise that is great for the heart.
But many men suffer from sexual dysfunction during the course of their lifetime. Current statistics say that more than eighty percent of men experience erectile dysfunction at least once in their lives. Of course, the true numbers may be higher.
If you count yourself as one of the men currently suffering from this affliction, never fear. Now, more than ever before, there are many options for treatment available to you. For example, Truong Rehab offers both online information courses as well as one-on-one counseling at their home office.
Know that you can choose whichever of these options is right for you.
Men, listen up: You have people that depend on you. You have people that love you. If you won’t take your health seriously for yourself, how about doing it for your family? Your partner? Your friends?
Sure, taking care of your body can be overwhelming. It seems like there is so much to learn. Every magazine and newspaper you see has different information. But it doesn’t have to be. Pick just one area in your life that you would like to improve, and work towards making a difference.
There’s no shame in loving life, or in loving your body. And even if you don’t feel that way now, after beginning a self-care regimen, you may find those feelings blossoming inside you. And that can be the greatest gift of all.
