Stay Healthier Longer

There are approximately 659,000 heart disease, 599,601 cancer and 137,000 stroke-related deaths per year. Despite these and other serious health concerns, many men put off going to the doctor, making healthier lifestyle choices and receiving routine preventive care — steps that can keep people healthier longer.

One in four men dies of heart disease—half of which the CDC says had no symptoms. It's the most common cause of mortality in men, with cancer coming in a close second. There are more than 200 different kinds of cancer, and the most common among men are prostate, colorectal, lung and skin cancers.

Strokes are the fifth most common cause of death among men, causing the deaths of more men than prostate cancer and Alzheimer's combined. Men are more likely to have strokes and be hospitalized for the condition than women. Yet, despite these numbers, studies show men are less likely than women to have seen a doctor in the past 12 months.

Routine visits with a doctor for checkups, screenings and immunizations should be part of a regular healthcare routine. While certain predispositions for cancer, stroke and heart disease are genetic, risk factors are manageable or avoidable. Here are a few things you can do to reduce your risks:

Stop smoking. The chemicals in cigarettes cause cellular changes that lead to cancer. Smoking also increases blood pressure, damages blood vessels, causes clotting and limits exercise.

Get a move on. Regular physical activity reduces cancer, stroke and heart disease. One study found being sedentary eight or more hours daily increased stroke risk by 4.2 times. Physical activity not only reduces risks of disease, but also attributing factors such as obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol and glucose intolerance

Diet has a direct impact on your long-term health. According to the World Health Organization, up to 40% of cancers are attributed to smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, obesity and physical inactivity. Stay well by limiting alcohol intake to one or two beverages a day, drinking plenty of water, and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

Consider age. Some medical concerns become more common as you grow older. At 35, have your cholesterol checked. At 50, it's time to begin screening for colorectal cancer. Current and former smokers should be screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm at 65. Talk with your doctor for a list of appropriate screenings.

Getting vaccinated never goes out of style. Get the influenza vaccine annually, but check with your doctor about boosters or age-related vaccines. For example, the CDC recommends those 50 and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine.

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