By Brandi Goodman, for The Joint Chiropractic
Men’s health is not always taken seriously, though it should be. Too many males find themselves prioritizing work over health, staying on the job for extended hours, and avoiding being seen for any ailments.
All men should be taking their well-being seriously, and that starts with receiving routine chiropractic care that brings numerous benefits to the body. Paired with changes in lifestyle and better habits, men can experience a longer, healthier life.
And isn’t that what it’s about?
What Are the Health Issues Facing Men?
Many common health problems arise for men worldwide. The life expectancy of the average male in the United States is 73.5 years, nearly 6 years less than females.
Cardiovascular Disease
The leading threat facing men is cardiovascular disease. Nearly 1 in 4 male-related deaths in 2020 were due to heart disease, making it the leading cause of death for men in the U.S. Heart failure and heart attacks are common. This is prevalent in men typically due to alcohol use, poor diet, obesity, stress, and a lack of physical activity.
Cancer
Cancer is close behind in leading causes of death for men. There is not just one type of cancer that tends to plague men, either, but several. Lung cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer are all prevalent in males. Lifestyle factors, higher testosterone levels, and a lack of routine care all contribute to a cancer diagnosis in men.
Erectile Dysfunction
Not likely to lead to death, but still a serious concern facing men, is erectile dysfunction. It can either be a short- or long-term problem, but some form of it affects nearly 30 million American men. Emotional issues, medications, age, smoking, being overweight, and certain medical conditions can all play a role in this. It is more common after the age of 40, and even more prevalent by age 70.
Respiratory Disease
Chronic respiratory diseases are the fourth-leading cause of death for men, after unintentional injuries/accidents. Men are more likely to smoke, and less likely to see a doctor for what they feel is a common cold. This improves the chances of experiencing a long-term respiratory health issue that becomes a serious cause for concern. Untreated respiratory problems can lead to lung cancer, making it imperative that men do what they can to keep their lungs healthy.
Poor Mental Health
Due to the financial stress often put on men, and their thinking that they need to be strong and tough and never show emotion, men are at higher risk for poor mental health. In fact, even though males make up roughly 50 percent of the population, nearly 80 percent of all suicides are men. Finding ways to share emotions and de-stress are necessary to improve mental well-being and prevent this type of death.
What Is the Best Way for Men to Extend Their Lives?
Living longer is possible for men if they do what they can to extend their lives. The best way to do this is to live as healthy as possible. This means men should eat nutritious foods daily and exercise regularly. Men should spend approximately 150 minutes — or 30 minutes five days per week — moving their bodies in some capacity. A combination of cardio and strength training is best. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy should be on the daily menu.
Of course, this won’t be enough going forward to combat years of poor choices. Men should stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and engaging in unhealthy habits to ensure the best results. Add in regular doctor visits for preventive care and routine chiropractic, and there is an improved chance at having a longer lifespan.
Ways Chiropractic Helps Men
Chiropractic adjustments help men in numerous ways. Overall, they create better range of motion and keep the mind/body connection intact. By helping to manage stress, improve posture, increase muscle strength, and improve physical performance, chiropractic does a lot for a man’s well-being and quality of life.
Stress Management
Stress is a common problem facing men. It’s one of the culprits of high blood pressure and heart disease. Whether the stress is related to finances, work, home life, or otherwise, it can have a significant impact on a man’s overall health and mental well-being. It even disrupts sleep. Spinal adjustments can ease tension within the body and help men relax, lowering their stress levels. This is ideal for improved mental health, better sleep, and overall wellness.
Because high blood pressure is a serious complication that leads to heart disease, it’s important for men to do what they can to keep theirs low. Chiropractic helps boost communication within the central nervous system. With nerves free to function at their best, blood pressure may improve.
Posture Improvement
Poor posture can cause more harm to the body than people realize. Properly aligning the spine with an adjustment can help improve posture and reduce the problems that stem from it. Those who exhibit bad posture habits, such as slouching, are more likely to have restricted airways, leading to breathing problems. They may also suffer interrupted sleep, shoulder and back pain, and overall muscle weakness. Regular chiropractic care can combat these issues and help restore the body.
Increased Muscle Strength
Muscle weakness is common in men who exhibit poor posture. This is especially true for the shoulder and back muscles. Chiropractic care corrects joint restrictions or subluxations that can limit movement and keep the muscles weak. By relieving joint restrictions, men are able to be more physically active, thereby improving their muscle strength.
Improved Physical Performance
Aside from muscle strength, men who receive routine chiropractic may also experience improved physical performance. Athletes often utilize chiropractic care for this reason. Balance, agility, and even response time can be improved when there are no joint restrictions in place to hold a person back on their performance.
Men, It’s Time for Chiropractic
Chiropractic care does far more good for a man’s body than many realize. With all the benefits that chiropractic brings, it’s a wonder why more people aren’t utilizing this important service. Men, it’s time to start focusing on your well-being.
