The Top Five Health Risks for Men

By: Grace Alexander

A man's health risks depend on his genetic makeup, lifestyle and overall health. Many men live to a ripe old age without experiencing any severe health problems until they are well into their 70s or 80s. Others start to experience health issues as early as their 30s or 40s. Understanding your own risk factors and taking preventive measures can keep you from falling victim to the top five health risks for men.

Heart disease

The top killer of men in the U.S. is a heart attack. Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and a number of other factors can contribute to this risk. Eat healthy foods and exercise to keep your heart healthy.

Cancer

Skin, prostate, lung and colorectal cancers are the most common for men. Wear sunscreen, avoid tobacco, limit alcohol and get screened regularly to minimize risk and increase the chances of early detection.

Vehicular accident

This might like a surprising item for the list, but car crashes claim the lives of thousands of men every month. Wear a seat belt, don't drive drunk, don't drive sleepy and control your temper. Road rage leads to reckless driving, which can result in accidents.

Stroke

High stress levels plus an unhealthy lifestyle equal a stroke. Add genetic predisposition to the mix, and your body could be a powder keg waiting to explode. Reducing work- or home-related stress, eating better and using exercise to burn off steam as well as pounds can reduce the chances of stroke immensely

Type 2 diabetes

With obesity becoming more prevalent and the foods we eat getting less healthy by the year, Type 2 diabetes is now a greater danger than in the past. Family history, bad eating habits and the breakdown of the body's ability to manage sugar levels with naturally produced insulin all contribute to making Type 2 diabetes a silent killer. And it's an illness with a host of other unhappy side effects, such as vision and circulation problems.

Knowing about the five top health risks for men can inspire you to take better care of your health and stay in good shape for years to come.

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