Men's Health Month: Routine checks up and screenings men over 40 must consider

Men in their 40s are becoming more prone to developing health issues inform medical experts Attributing the cause to a combination of lifestyle factors along with genetic history and the natural aging process Dr Danny Laliwala consultant of obstetrics amp gynaecology at Jaslok Hospital amp Research Centre informs ldquoAfter 40 men are more vulnerable to cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure heart attacks high cholesterol and strokesrdquoAdditionally men in this age group are more susceptible to mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety partly due to midlife stressors like career pressures financial responsibilities and family dynamicsMoreover hormonal changes particularly a decrease in testosterone levels can enhance these health risks In a recent case Manav Doshi a citybased realtor 43 complained of troubling health symptoms What started as a mild wheezing cough quickly turned into persistent chest pain that intensified at night Concerned for his health Manav sought medical advice uncovering a stark reality that he is not alone as an increasing number of men post40 are developing symptoms like chest pain frequent headaches sweating and breathlessness Statistics reveal that a significant percentage of men in this age group face similar health challenges In light of Mens Health Week Middaycom consulted citybased doctors to gather expert advice on maintaining health and preventing ailments for men in their 40s Here are five practical tips they recommend to keep these health issues in check Monitoring heart health To maintain optimal health cut down on your salt intake and engage in regular exercise Additionally scheduling annual health checkups is crucial for early detection of underlying or potential medical conditions For men in their 40s Laliwala recommends specific tests such as an ECG electrocardiogram a 2D echocardiography and a stress test These assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of heart health helping to identify any abnormalities that may require further intervention Prostate cancer is not an old age disease DoctorKeeping diabetes in check Diabetes is another deadly disease that may pick up pace after 40 years It results in a rapid increase or decrease in weight increased appetite increased thirst and an increase in frequency of urination If there is a family history of diabetes one needs to be more vigilant Diabetes is a silent disease that may progress and involve many organs of the body like the liver kidneys and eyes To maintain control routinely monitor fasting and postmeal blood sugar levels along with HbA1c Again cut down on carbohydrates with regular exercise Sweets should be eaten in moderation Also keep in mind that all aerated drinks contain a lot of sugar Controlling liver problems ldquoThis has been on the increase because of excessive alcohol consumption and smoking Also nonalcoholic liver diseases are on the rise mainly because of excessive fatty food consumptionrdquo shares Laliwala For those with liver issues he suggests ldquoultrasonography of the abdomen should be done along with fibroelastic scan to diagnose fatty liver fat content in the liver along with the amount of fibrosis in the liver Blood tests including bilirubin SGOT SGPT alkaline phosphatase and GGT should be done periodically Do curtail carbohydrates salt and fatty foodsErectile disorders Many men experience erectile dysfunction after the age of 40 report doctors It often stems from a variety of factors including stress hypertension diabetes and obesity Making certain lifestyle adjustments such as reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking practicing meditation and taking prescribed medications can often improve these conditions Ensuring an uninterrupted eight hours of sleep each night is also important If the issue persists consulting a urologist is advisable for appropriate diagnosis and treatment Maintaining kidney health Kidney problems may develop after the age of 40 often due to the accumulation of mineral deposits in the urinary tract which can lead to kidney stones These stones can cause severe abdominal pain that typically radiates from the loin to the groin To prevent this condition it is important to drink plenty of fluids regularly In some cases medication may be prescribed to treat kidney stones while in others a surgical procedure might be necessary to remove them Pro tip Losing 10 percent of your body weight slowly gradually and persistently for six months will take care of your health ndash Lalwani Common health concerns for men in their 40s Dr Ashish Mishra consultant interventional cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospital lists out common health problems that affect men in their 40s ldquoSleep apnea osteoarthritis cardiovascular diseases nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD hepatitis hypertension high cholesterol levels stroke obesity cancer back pain erectile dysfunction male infertility prostate enlargement and diabetesrdquo Mens health impacts not only themselves but also their families The question is how can we develop strategies to prevent health ailments in men Start with basics Maintain a healthy metabolism A healthy metabolism demands physical activities or exercises Mishra suggests a minimum of 30 minutes of activity that could include running jogging swimming cycling gym workouts gardening or helping your spouse with household chores Making healthy food choices can effectively help manage your weight and boost your metabolism rate Make sure to eat a wellbalanced diet that contains adequate amounts of vitamins fibers minerals carbohydrates and omega3 fatty acids Try to stay away from street food that is loaded with unhealthy fats and calories Routine screenings and checkups Men are advised to get screened for the following tests Blood sugar levelsCardiac screeningRenal and liver function testCholesterol level checksVision and hearing testsBone density testsColon cancer screeningBlood pressure screening The right nutrition is key It is a known fact that onersquos metabolism becomes sluggish with age Thus men in their 40s should ensure they eat well for overall wellbeing Consider taking the help of a dietitian to ensure you are consuming complex carbohydrates healthy fats and plenty of fruits and vegetables antioxidantrich foods such as berries spinach and nuts to boost immunity and keep various diseases allergies and conditions at bay Donrsquot forget to add omega3 fatty acids such as salmon flaxseeds and walnuts for enhancing heart health and cognitive function See to it that you donrsquot eat processed junk oily called and highcalorie foods Practice portion control that can prevent you from overeating Drink enough water to ease digestion and flush out toxins from the body Do a mix of cardiovascular flexibility exercises and strength training These should be strictly done under the guidance of an expert Choose cardio workouts such as brisk walking cycling or swimming that keep the heart healthy and improve your metabolism Strength training is a good addition to the fitness routine as it can help to maintain muscle mass and bone density It will be possible for men to prevent agerelated muscle loss and osteoporosis by doing weight training regularly Moreover opting for flexibility exercises such as yoga or Pilates allows for enhanced joint mobility and keeps injuries at bay Yoga will also help with increased stamina agility and endurance Climbing stairs brisk walking and jogging can also be beneficial for men over 40 However one can end up feeling lethargic due to following the same exercise routine So it is a good idea to keep experimenting with new types of workouts such as functional training and highintensity interval training HIIT workouts for fat loss and strengthen and toning your muscles Before opting for these exercises consult the doctor and do it under the guidance of a fitness trainer who will ensure you are fit enough to do these exercises Try to exercise at least five days a week for 45 minutes and you will be able to stay in top shape Disclaimer This information does not replace professional medical advice Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance