As age advances, the body's functionality naturally begins to decline. Especially for men, the milestone of 40 years is extremely crucial. This age is a period when career, family, and social responsibilities are at their peak, and in this hustle, men often neglect their health. But this negligence invites several serious diseases.
Prostate-related Problems
The prostate gland is an important part of the reproductive system in men's bodies. After the age of 40, the risk of enlargement of this gland or prostate cancer increases rapidly.
Symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation during urination
- Urinary obstruction
- Frequent trips to the toilet at night
If the problem increases, it can also turn into prostate cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in men.
Solutions:
- Regular health checkups
- PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test
- Balanced diet and exercise to maintain prostate health
Heart Disease
Men are more likely to have a heart attack than women. High blood pressure (High BP), high cholesterol, and lifestyle-related habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption further increase this risk.
Symptoms:
- Heaviness or pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and weakness
- Abnormal heart rate
Preventive Measures:
- Abstain from smoking and alcohol
- Regular exercise
- Low-fat and low-salt diet
- Regular check-up of blood pressure and cholesterol
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
After 40, men may also face problems related to their sexual life. The most common of these is erectile dysfunction, i.e., impotence.
Causes:
- Stress and anxiety
- Diabetes
- Blood pressure medications
- Hormonal imbalance
Although it is not a life-threatening disease, it can have a profound effect on mental and marital life.
Solutions:
- Improve lifestyle
- Stress management
- Medical consultation and therapy
- Yoga and meditation
Decrease in Testosterone
As age increases, the level of the testosterone hormone in men starts to fall. This directly affects sexual ability, muscle strength, energy levels, and mental health.
Indications:
- Fatigue
- Decreased sexual desire
- Depression
- Muscle weakness
Solutions:
- Testosterone level check
- Protein-rich diet
- Weight control
- Hormone therapy if needed
Lung-related Diseases
Smoking is more common in men than in women. This is the reason why men are at higher risk of diseases such as lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Symptoms:
- Prolonged cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
Prevention:
- Quit smoking immediately
- Protection from pollution
- Annual lung check-up
- Healthy diet and exercise in fresh air
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
After the age of 40, men's metabolism rate slows down, causing rapid weight gain. This increases the risk of diabetes, high BP, and heart diseases manifold.
Solutions:
- Regular weight checks
- Avoid sugary and fatty foods
- Regular walk, gym or yoga
- Fiber-rich diet and plenty of water
The age of 40 is not an end, but a new beginning – where experience, responsibilities, and self-confidence are at their peak. But all this is meaningful only when the body is healthy. Therefore, men should prioritize health in time.
By adopting regular health check-ups, a balanced lifestyle, and mental balance, not only can diseases be avoided, but a long, healthy, and satisfied life can be lived.
