Bering healthy is important for all ages of life. Like women man also undergoes changes from childhood. This includes physical and hormonal changes. Also men undergoes more stress compare to women during the produtive phase of life. Evidence shows that this one of the reasons man has shorter lifespan to compare to women it’s known fat that with increasing age people are prone for chronic diseases. changing lifestyle like increase stress,altered food habits and lack of physical activity will increase the risk of developing lifestyle disorders like Diabetes mellitus Hypertension and Heart disease. By the time Manreaches 40 years his muscles mass starts reducing and alterations in hormones .Habits like smoking, alcohol and substance abuse and presence family history increases risk further .another major factor is that men seek help for health issues very less compare to women
The following are the some of the common diseases after 40 years
-Diabetes mellitus
-Heart disease like heart attack ,heart failure
Hypertension
-Depression
– prostate enlargement
– Cancers especially colorectal
-Jont illness like Osteoarthritis especially on Obese people
Heart disease is number one cause of mortality all over the world in india this happens almost a decade before compare to western population. Mortality is more in population between 30-50 as they will not have developed compensatory mechanism compared elderly. Most of the above conditions are preventable and they remain asymptomatic for a long period. Hence it is all the more important to diagnose these conditions early so that we prevent life threatening complications were not the affected persons suffers and also his loved ones. Number cases of diabetes is increasing all over the world and also india where it is expected to reach 145 million by 2045 and is known as capital diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of Heart disease stroke,kidney failure, blindness and limb amputation. Situations is same in both urban and rural areas. As per the present evidence 1 in every 7-8 people are not aware that they are Diabetic.
Hypertension and high cholesterol are much more commoner and are asymptomatic. Another misconception is that only obese people will have high cholesterol but the fact that even the people with normal or thin built are also have high cholesterol problems. Altered bowel habits like recent oneself constipation or alternate loose stools and constipation is another major symptom at this age.Most of the food habits irritable bowel syndrome but we need to keep in mind about the colorectal cancers which can diagnosed with colonoscopy.
Depression is another major problem which is in epidemic proportion and neglected in this age group which can prevented by change in life style like exercise,meditation and expert counseling.
Sexual problem like erectile dysfunctional, loss of libido are common. Reduced hormon production and high stress levels are some of the common causes. Usually men try avoid seeking help leads to depression some important steps to be taken to prevent these problems are
1. Eat healthy food more vegetables, fruits but not refined and store food
2. Regular exercise atheist 150minute of physical activity over 5days along with yoga and meditation
3. Stop smoking, alcohol and substance abuse if any
4. Consult a doctor and plan for health check
As most of the conditions are preventable but asymptomatic, there is a strong need to consult a doctor and for investigations so as to identify the condition early and appropriate measures to prevent further consequences. Most important investigation required the age 40 are :
-complete blood counts
-blood sugar (FBS/PPBS/HBA1C)
Kidney function tests
– complete lipid profile not just total cholesterol
Thyroid functions
Liver function tests
Apart from the above mentioned conditions vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies are also very common which can lead to bone ,joint problems, Anaemia and Generalised body pain. So it is important to estimate these vitamins and start corrections at the earliest.
Preventive steps should be started as early as in school/college days to have better quality of life and need to continue as long as possible. Preventive steps can be started later also but under guidance after consulting a doctor and preventive health check up.