There is a reason why men don’t live as long as women do. Ann Gowans (Columbia Daily Tribune: Columbia, Mo. July 31, 2006) writes that a guy is about as likely to schedule himself for a routine checkup as he is to stop and ask for directions. She also pointed out that when a guy’s car makes a strange noise, he has the hood up in a snap, but a twinge of pain in his own body tends to be ignored. If we could get men to take care as good of care of themselves as they do their cars, we would have more company as we grow older.
Men are even more apt to experience cardiovascular disease than women. A lot of the risks for these diseases start when they are relatively young. They start at a time when diet and lifestyle changes could make a difference. Guys don’t think much about these statistics until they are faced with triple-by-pass surgery. What they don’t seem to get is that high blood pressure is a warning sign too chancy to ignore. If you don’t schedule yourself for routine maintenance checkups with a doctor, you may never know until it is too late. Weight is often a key factor in predicting high blood pressure. Other warnings signs may be present but they are so subtle that you don’t see them coming.
I know, you would rather eat your hamburger with a large order of fries than with a side salad, but down deep you know better. Real men may not eat quiche but if anyone thinks you are a sissy for loading your plate with fruits, vegetables, and fat free items they are not as smart as they think they are.
Inactivity is a killer and you know that too. You are tired and taking care of the strenuous stuff at home really does you in, but it isn’t the same as regular workouts. Men tend to think they know what is best for them and maybe even feel silly going to the gym. It is important to understand that the time and money invested in keeping in shape isn’t just about bulging biceps and six-pack abs.
If you are watching “Men of a Certain Age” on television you have probably honed in the fact that getting older is depressing for men too. Men try to mask depression with alcohol, drugs, or by keeping super busy. What they really need to do is get themselves to a trusted physician for some maintenance work. It is time to take your own life as seriously as the life of your car.
Most people over 50 need to lose some weight. When men lived to be 40 or 50 they didn’t have to worry about all of these lifestyle changes. Today’s statistics indicate that you are probably going to live a lot longer than that. Today the plan should be to make it to 80 or 90 without developing diabetes, heart problems, stroke or cancer. This plan is going to take a little more work and a few more body check-ups.
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