Gentlemen, you think you’re healthy because you’re not falling sick, right? Wrong! No symptoms don’t always mean no disease. Many of you might be pushing healthcare to the corner, thinking it’s no big deal. And not something to think about ‘right now’. But small slip-ups can sometimes snowball into major health fiascos later in life. That’s why it’s important to learn the importance of a good lifestyle and steer clear of habits which might be damaging men’s health.
In this blog, we delve into 10 common lifestyle habits which could be silently impacting your wellbeing. So keep reading!
1. Smoking
Among all other bad habits, smoking is probably the worst one. It can harm your vital organs and damage the respiratory system, circulatory system, immune system, and musculoskeletal system. Additionally, it can have a negative effect on several sexual health parameters, such as sperm count and motility and even damage sperm DNA. Furthermore, it can cause premature ageing and wrinkling of the skin.
2. Drinking
Raising a toast to a happy event? Just know that what cheers your mood might be quietly harming your health. Alcohol consumption has been adversely linked with several health parameters, including the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, your liver and even your heart. There is also strong evidence that suggests a close connection between alcohol and cancer risk.
3. Sedentary Lifestyle
Desk job keeping you glued to your seat for hours? Well, you could be slowly heading towards poor health. Not moving enough can lower your muscle strength, weaken your bones, slow down immune function & metabolism, hamper blood circulation and even cause weight gain. Worse? It may even lead to premature death!
So if you have been inactive lately, try to start off slow and gradually work up to the recommended level, keeping your age & health in mind.
4. Poor Sleeping Habits
Sleep isn’t just rest. It’s a complete reset for your body and mind. But a good sleep is not just about how long you sleep, but also how well you sleep. Poor sleeping habits can be detrimental to your overall well-being and raise your risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and even dementia.
5. Poor Nutrition
An ideal meal plate should contain the recommended daily amounts of carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Besides, you should also be consuming enough fiber and drinking plenty of water. Not being mindful about your food choices and dietary intake can cause several diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (heart disease), stroke, and some cancers.
6. Too Much Junk Food
Eating a lot of processed foods and packaged goods is another common habit that cascades into major health issues. With growing urbanisation and the trend of frequently eating out, people consume a lot of fast foods which are high in calories, fats, salt and sugar, but low in nutrients.
7. Unchecked Stress
Stress might feel like a mental issue, but it has serious physical consequences, too. When stress becomes chronic, it silently damages your heart, weakens your immune system, and messes with hormones. It’s also linked to high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia, and even weight gain.
8. Not Exercising
Running around the house or being on your feet all day doesn’t really count as exercise. While that is essential, your body needs actual, focused movement, something that gets your heart rate up and your muscles working. It could be a brisk walk, a short workout, or even yoga.
9. Neglecting Mental Health
Just because you’re pushing through doesn’t mean you’re okay. Bottling up emotions, ignoring burnout, or brushing off anxiety can eventually spill into physical illness. Mental health impacts your energy, sleep, immune function, and also your relationships.
10. Brushing Off Health Symptoms
Brushing away health symptoms may seem easy, especially when you’re loaded with plenty of other priority tasks. But these signs could be your body’s way of warning you about something bigger. So you must pay close attention to these silent calls before things escalate. Visit a doctor, discuss your symptoms and get yourself evaluated.
Another simple way to keep track of your health status is to get yourself routinely tested. You can opt for LifeCell’s Ayushman Comprehensive Male Test, an all-in-one package that screens 92 health parameters and is particularly suitable for men over 40.
Summing Up
The habits we listed above may seem like no big deal. But the compounded impact it has on men’s health over time can be grave. That’s why awareness is so important. When we know what’s hurting us, we’re more likely to pause, reflect, and take corrective action. Building a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to mean making huge changes. It just means making more conscious choices.