Post Date December, 02 2023
Men are often symbols of strength and strength, but research data from the UK Cancer Research Center shows that men have a 60% higher risk of developing cancer than women, with a higher mortality rate once diagnosed. Life expectancy statistics from multiple countries also show that the average life expectancy of men is 5-8 years shorter than that of women. The reason for this is that stress and bad habits are the main culprits leading to premature "scrapping" of male body parts. In this issue, Life Times interviews authoritative experts to guide male friends on how to protect 8 key health areas.
Lung: the most vulnerable defense line
Some people say that lung cancer is the most vulnerable defense line for men, and as a direct result, lung cancer has become the leading cause of death for men in China. Professor Shen Yanying from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital told Life Times that the reason for failure lies in the difficulty in resisting the temptation of smoking, which is one of the key factors inducing lung cancer. Statistics show that out of 10 patients who died of lung cancer, 9 were smokers. In addition, air pollution, indoor pollution, and excessive fatigue are also closely related to lung disease. Zhi Xiuyi, director of thoracic surgery Department of Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing, suggested that smoking is harmful but not beneficial. Male friends should quit smoking as soon as possible. People over 45 years old with a history of smoking should have a physical examination every year to screen for lung cancer; When encountering foggy days in daily life, it is best to reduce outdoor activities and wear masks when traveling. Shen Yanying added that foods such as pears, loquats, apples, and strawberries can nourish and nourish the lungs, and can be eaten in moderation.
Liver: Farewell to two types of pathological liver
The liver has two well-known "nicknames" - alcoholic liver and fatty liver, and men are the high-risk group for these two types of pathological liver diseases, with a higher risk of liver cancer than women. Song Tianqiang, director of the Hepatobiliary Oncology Department at Tianjin Cancer Hospital, told reporters that in general, the number of male liver cancer patients is 7-10 times higher than that of female liver cancer patients. Apart from hepatitis, alcoholism, work fatigue, mental tension, and frequent staying up late are the main factors that can induce liver cancer. Song Tianqiang emphasized that male friends who want to prevent liver cancer must correct the aforementioned bad habits in addition to receiving hepatitis vaccines. In addition, he suggests that men after the age of 40 should undergo regular physical examinations every year. Those with a history of hepatitis for more than 5 years and alcohol abuse for more than 5-8 years should pay close attention to liver health, preferably once every 3-6 months. Shen Yanying added that cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Chinese cabbage, and Korean cabbage contain sulfides, which have detoxification functions and are beneficial for protecting the liver.
Waist: Lose "General's Belly"
Clinical data shows that in recent years, the proportion of men seeking medical treatment for lumbar diseases in China has been increasing, with the most common being lumbar disc herniation, lumbar muscle strain, and degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. Lou Siquan, chief physician of the orthopedics department at Peking University Third Hospital, believes that men bear more physical labor and have a significantly higher risk of developing diseases such as lumbar muscle strain than women; In addition, men tend to prefer aggressive and high-intensity sports or adventures, which can lead to lower back injuries. In addition, prolonged desk work or driving can also lead to muscle and ligament fatigue, accelerating intervertebral disc aging. Lou Siquan pointed out that when men want to protect their waist, in addition to avoiding excessive physical labor and exercising their waist muscles appropriately, they also need to control their weight. Losing their "military belly" is also beneficial for waist protection. Shen Yanying said that traditional Chinese medicine believes that "the waist is the palace of the kidneys". Eating more "five black" foods such as black rice, black beans, black sesame, black dates, walnuts, etc. can tonify the kidneys, pay attention to keeping warm, and regulate sexual activity.
Stomach: Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and live a regular life
Data shows that most middle-aged men suffer from stomach diseases to varying degrees, such as gastric polyps, ulcers, and chronic atrophic gastritis. If left unchecked, they may develop into gastric cancer. Shen Lin, chief physician of the Department of Gastroenterology of Beijing Cancer Hospital, said that the incidence rate of gastric cancer in men is 1.5 to 2.5 times higher than that in women, and its mortality rate is second only to lung cancer. The reason why stomach diseases favor men is related to excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, wolf swallowing, hunger and satiety, and irregular lifestyle. Shen Yanying pointed out that at least five points should be achieved in nourishing the stomach: 1. Eat regularly, eat full early, eat well in the afternoon, and eat less in the evening; 2. Refuse high salt diet and pickled food; 3. Chew and swallow slowly, do not eat hot food, and eat less raw and cold food; 4. The stomach and intestines are the "second brain" of the human body, learning to be content and happy; 5. Go to bed before 11 pm every night.
Intestine: Finger examination of the rectum reveals signs
The data shows that colorectal cancer has become the second most common cancer among men in Beijing in terms of incidence rate, with a trend of youth. Shen Yanying pointed out that excessive intake of animal fat, significant lack of dietary fiber, prolonged sitting and inactivity, and delayed bowel movements are the main causes of colon cancer. From a preventive perspective, we should "eat less and move more" in daily life, that is, eat less fried, fried, and pickled foods, increase exercise in moderation, promote intestinal peristalsis, cultivate the habit of regular bowel movements, and also eat more coarse grains, fruits and vegetables and other fiber rich foods. Professor Cai Sanjun, Director of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, also reminded that over 70% of rectal cancer patients in China are low rectal cancer, which can be detected early through rectal digital examination. Therefore, male friends should not give up this examination due to embarrassment or discomfort during physical examination.
Oral cavity: Remember the "Three Three Systems"
Clinical data shows that oral cancer is more common in young and middle-aged men. Professor Shen Yanying told reporters that smoking and drinking alcohol can stimulate the oral mucosa, and many male friends may not pay attention to oral hygiene, which can lead to oral cancer. In daily life, to protect oral health, it is important to remember the 'three three system', which means brushing your teeth three times a day in the morning, middle, and evening, for three minutes each time. Even if it is not convenient to do it at noon, rinse your mouth with light salt water. Professor Shen reminds friends who frequently experience oral ulcers that last for 2 weeks and are not good, they should pay more attention to screening for oral cancer.
Heart: Quit the "sad" factor
Although both men and women are high-risk populations for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, overall, the incidence of coronary heart disease in men is still higher than that in women. Foreign studies have found that two-thirds of male patients with coronary heart disease are characterized by acute myocardial infarction or sudden death, while more than half of women are characterized by angina. Dr. Marian Lekato, the head of the "Gender Differences" program at Columbia University in the United States, once pointed out that the age at which men first develop coronary heart disease is approximately 10 years earlier than women. Shen Yanying pointed out that two major factors are the most heartbreaking for men: 1. Poor dietary habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and being unable to live without meat; 2. The pressure they bear is even greater, with houses, cars, and children weighing down and making them gasp for breath. However, it is often difficult for men to effectively relieve their tears. Professor Shen suggests that men should learn a balanced diet from women who love health, eat more vegetables and fruits, and maintain their figure; We also need to cultivate hobbies and learn to confide, in order to relieve negative emotions and stress such as depression and anxiety.
Prostate: Holding urine is a major taboo
The small prostate is a man's "busy place". Professor Jiang Hui, director of the Men's Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center at Peking University Third Hospital, told reporters that data shows that about 50% of men will be affected by prostatitis at some point in their lives. In recent years, the incidence of prostate cancer in China has shown a high trend. In 2010, the incidence rate of prostate cancer in Beijing was 16.62/100000 in 2010, an increase of more than three times in 10 years. Excessive fat intake, prolonged sitting, frequent urination, and lack of attention to personal hygiene are all contributing factors. Jiang Hui said that drinking plenty of water is the best way to protect the prostate. It is recommended to drink 2-2.5 liters of water every day, not hold urine, have a light diet, have a pleasant mood, have moderate sexual activity, and frequently change underwear. Shen Yanying pointed out that red fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and grapefruit are rich in lycopene, which can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
