One of our friends at Home Helpers who currently lives in another state, recently lost a special senior gentleman in Tarpon Springs that she loved dearly. She was not only the man’s friend, but she had served as his caregiver when she lived in Tarpon Springs, and he had graciously hosted her wedding on his beautiful estate in 2013.
The man died of an acute urinary tract infection (UTI) that became septic, which was something she continues to struggle with because a UTI is preventable and in the early stages, it is totally treatable. This begs the question, why didn’t the man seek medical treatment when he was bound to be experiencing the telltale symptoms of the UTI?
Men are notorious for putting their health on the back burner. Perhaps, it is because of busy work schedules, or maybe men fear that the doctor will discover some underlying health condition. However, that’s exactly why men should prioritize their health!
“According to the CDC, the leading causes of death among adult men in the U.S. include heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke. Other health conditions following closely behind are diabetes, alcoholism and alcohol-related conditions, Alzheimer’s disease, and suicide,” an article published by Silver Cuisine states.
The most common health issues among men over 50 include:
- Declined mental function and memory
- Decreased immune system, muscle mass and senses
- Weakened bones
- Lessened bowel function and hydrochloric acid production
- Urinary incontinence
- Overweight and obesity
- Erectile dysfunction
So, let’s briefly review six of the most common health conditions aging men should be more proactive to prevent and treat:
Cardiovascular Disease - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of heart and related conditions like heart disease and heart attack and is related to high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Cancer -Among men, non-melanoma skin, prostate, lung, and colorectal (colon) cancer are the most common cancers. Prostate cancer is largely hereditary, but early screening tests reduce overall mortality risk.
Diabetes (Type 2) - Type 2 diabetes results when the beta cells of the pancreas stop producing sufficient insulin to manage blood sugar levels and/or cells become resistant to insulin. Yet, even beyond diabetes, poor blood sugar management correlates with many other diseases like obesity, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Stroke - A stroke is similar to a heart attack in that oxygen and blood supply are cut off from the brain, usually due to a blood clot or hardening of the arteries. This can cause necrosis (death) of certain areas of brain tissue, which then affect motor and mental function. Common signs of a stroke include paralysis or numbness in the face, arm or leg, vision problems, headache, dizziness, and a drooping mouth. Remember to BE FAST to act if you notice any of these symptoms!
COPD - Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two of the most common types of COPD, otherwise known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A common consequence of chronic smoking, COPD is characterized by damage to the lung tissue and a decreased ability to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the blood.
Obesity - Two main types of fat exist, and one is more dangerous than the other. The fat visible to the human eye, residing just underneath the skin, is called subcutaneous fat. Invisible fat that surrounds organs is known as visceral fat. Though generally unhealthy to carry too much subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is more imminent a risk to health because it directly affects organ function. Furthermore, while genetics play a role in determining where people carry subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is almost solely impacted by diet and lifestyle choices.
Making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent many of these conditions. To be proactive in prevention, aging men should consider:
- Eating a (mostly) whole foods diet
- Exercising consistently
- Sleeping enough
- Managing stress
- Drinking less alcohol
- Stopping smoking
- Drinking enough water
- Seeing a doctor regularly
At Home Helpers®, our compassionate caregivers help senior men every day by providing a variety of in-home care services to promote senior independence and a higher quality of life. We gladly help with transportation assistance to doctor appointments and support men in achieving their health goals.
I encourage senior men who could benefit from the help of a compassionate caregiver, to take advantage of a FREE Consultation so I can assess specific needs and create a customized care plan to make life easier and healthier every day!
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Home Care Pulse Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2023 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award 2023, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice Award 2023, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Award 2023.
We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ 727.942.2539
Source:
Silver Cuisine
Scripps
