It is not that people do not know or even realize the importance of physical activities in their lives. It’s more of that people come up with creative excuses to avoid having to go to the gym or run a mile in a public park. The truth is that we all know the lack of physical activities can lead to a host of medical problems such as obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
For men, the problem is further highlighted by the fact that they also face prostate problems. which is one of the top medical problems faced by men of all ages. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate and is a common condition in men as they grow older. On its own, BPH is not a life-threatening condition, though it can be uncomfortable because men with BPH have urinary tract and kidney problems.
One of the best treatments for BPH is UroLift, a minimally invasive treatment that has a high success rate. The chances of retreatment are very low at 13.6% over five years or 2% to 3% per year. But aside from UroLift, there are other things men must do to prevent BPH and a host of other diseases and medical conditions commonly associated with them.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Do you know that men only need about 300 minutes of low- to moderate-intensity activities each week to have a 20% lower chance of developing cardiovascular diseases? That’s how important exercising is for men of all ages. For every 150 minutes’ worth of leisurely-paced activities, there’s a 14% less chance of heart diseases. You don’t even have to go to the gym for some moderate exercises.
Brisk walking, tennis, and running are all examples of moderate exercises that you can do a few minutes each day. The point of many of these studies is to push people to do more than the usual sedentary activities associated with a desk job. You have to get up, stand, and walk around a little on your lunch break. You will soon see an improvement in your health.
Chronic Conditions
In medicine, a chronic condition is used to describe any disease that is persistent or long-lasting. The disease usually lasts more than three months. In men, some examples of chronic conditions are obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and chronic prostatitis.
For obesity and weight reduction, a strict and healthy diet coupled with a physical activity program are always the best defense. Intensified physical activities also work wonders against obesity. If you want to reduce your weight, you don’t only need to consume less fattening food, but you also have to do more physical activities.
Prostate Cancer
Studies showed that increased physical activity can lower the overall mortality for men with prostate cancer. Yes, even non-vigorous activities showed positive results as it improves the quality of life of men. In fact, in some studies, men with prostate issues showed a significant boost in mood and energy when they do physical activities.
It is, of course, important to note that studies on the direct impact of physical activities on reducing the risk of prostate cancer are still not complete. The best way to lower the risk of prostate cancer is to protect yourself against it. If you have a family history of prostate cancer (or even if you don’t), you can have screening once you’re in your 40s.
Perceived Barriers That Men See
Men make a lot of excuses to avoid exercising. While it is true that times are different these days because of the coronavirus pandemic, this is not reason enough not to be physically active. Health experts said that the best way to combat the virus is to boost your immune system. You can do that by increasing the physical activities you engage in and watching what you eat.
Those aged between 30 and 50 are usually busy with their family and work commitments. But for men, this age group is the most prone to developing chronic conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and prostate cancer. The lack of physical activity also leads to weight and productiveness problems. The thought of getting sick puts pressure on men and thus, it also affects their productivity levels at work.
Find the time to work out and do light physical activities. This isn’t only necessary for your physique, but it is essential to your health in the long run. The better you take care of your bodies today, the lower the chances of you having to make endless trips to the doctor once you’re in your 50s or 60s or older.