Men - learn to look after your body and it will look after you.
Compared to women, it is known that men have less understanding of the anatomy and function of their own bodies. Traditionally men have depended on women to look after their health. Even more worryingly, 40% of men will not attend their GP unless told to do so by their partner. Even waiting until the condition worsens to the extent that they have no choice but to see their GP.
On average men die five to six years earlier than women and in general are affected by stress more than women. Why is this?
Even in this age of equality, in many instances the man is still expected to be the bread winner. Society still holds the attitude that men take greater risks. Macho men feature prominently in the movies, and men tend to live faster-paced lifestyles.
For many men, the solution to stress comes through alcohol. Alcoholism is on the rapid increase in the UK, likewise is injected drugs amongst young men.
If you compare all the major killers, such as heart disease and lung cancer, men come out worst every time. It is not that men are genetically more likely to catch something nasty, or even that they are less able to fight it. It is the fact that a man's lifestyle and the fact that they are less likely to attend their GP on time will mean that unbelievably as many men die from breast cancer as die from cancer of the testis. Fortunately, times are changing and there has been a dramatic increase in health awareness amongst young men recently.
One major difference between the sexes is that men tend, in general to have much less healthy lifestyles than women. Men are more likely to smoke. Men are also more likely to drink too much alcohol, take too little exercise, eat a poor diet and fail to cope effectively with stress. All of these factors are known to contribute to the development of a variety of illnesses.
By adopting a healthy lifestyle and by being aware of any early warning signs of illness reduces your chances of dying young. Your health is your responsibility and no-one elses. Decisions about your diet, how much exercise you take and smoking and drinking can all affect your long-term health.
Regular self-examination of different parts of your body and also when you should have screening tests designed to detect hidden diseases are vital. Your doctor has various information leaflets on these and other health issues. Never be afraid to ask!
You can make the experience of visiting your GP more rewarding and less stressful. Don't worry about wasting your doctor's time with something trivial; it will not take him or her long to reassure you if nothing is seriously wrong with you. It is important that you do not put off going because you are afraid you will be given bad news. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the more straightforward and successful your treatment is likely to be. When you are explaining your symptoms, be prepared to answer questions that might seem irrelevant to you. You may also find it helpful to write a brief summary of your symptoms before your visit so you don't leave out anything important. Don't be afraid to telephone your doctor for advice if you need to after the appointment.
Men and stress
Some men thrive on stress. Deadlines, rushing around, coping with a hectic work and social life.
The way in which you handle stress is determined partly by your personality and partly by your innate ability to cope under pressure.
Stress under control can be a positive force that improves performance and motivation. It adds spice to your life and prevents you from becoming bored. Ideally, stress is a temporary condition that arises to meet a specific challenge and subsides once those demands have been resolved. Problems arise when stress is mental or emotional and cannot be alleviated through physical exertion.
Stress is prolonged, for example, if you are under constant pressure from a demanding job or unhappy relationship. People who are under a constant source of stress and are unable to escape are likely to suffer ill physical and mental health. Many men are unaware of just how much stress they are under. They fail to recognise the early-warning symptoms of stress overload.
Common symptoms of stress include:
- Difficulty in falling asleep
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Irritability, impatience and loss of temper
- Feeling tired constantly
- Eating even when you're not hungry
- Smoking and drinking more alcohol
- Headaches, muscle and joint pains
- Reduced interest in sex
- Driving fast and dangerously
While it is impossible to avoid stress altogether, there is a lot you can do to improve your ability to cope with stressful situations.
The key to reducing stress is to deal with one problem at a time. It is useful to make a list, in order of priority, starting with the situation which is causing you the most distress, leaving the minor irritations till last.
It is important to express your emotions openly, rather than trying to bottle them up. Don't be afraid to show that you are angry or sad; crying doesn't reflect a loss of masculinity, nor does it mean you will lose the respect of those around you.
Learn how to relax
Relaxation is a skill that everyone should learn because it is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Regular use of a relaxation technique will make it easier for you to cope during periods of stress.
It has been proved that Meditation, Yoga and Massage are all excellent ways of relieving tension and relaxing. The therapists in New Health are fully qualified to help you relax and deal with stress more effectively as well as being able to treat many ailments. Complementary therapy can be used effectively alongside conventional medicine and there to provide you with extra support and treatment in times when you need it.
Remember, the fullness of life can only be enjoyed when your health and well being are being taken care of and good health doesn't happen automatically without you taking care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.
Treatments for stress, sexual problems and a wide range of emotional and physical ailments are available from The Good Health Agency. Please call 0121 441 3344
Take a deep breath
Try the following exercise. You will only need to do them for five minutes twice a day. Then use it whenever you feel stressed out.
Sit in a quiet space on a comfortable chair. Consciously slow your rate of breathing and take deep, even breaths. Breathe out for twice as long as you breathe in, controlling this pattern by silently counting to yourself. Try to clear your mind of all thoughts and worries.
Learn to relax your muscles
Muscles that have become tense and taut can be relaxed by the following routine.
Wear loose clothing and remove spectacles or contact lenses.
Lie flat on your back. either on a bed or the floor. Close your eyes, let your muscles go limp. Tighten the muscles in your toes for a few seconds then relax them. Work up your body, tensing and relaxing each group of muscles in turn. When you reach your face, screw up the muscles around your mouth and eyes, then let them relax.
Repeat this whole toe-to-head sequence for 10 minutes, then lie completely still for a few minutes; you should feel totally relaxed.
Gently stretch your arms and legs.