To Men,
Some say, June is the month for you. It is the month when many of us suddenly realize how important you are to friends and families because we celebrate Father’s Day. We express our love for you through cards, gifts and good food. Let me tell everyone June is also the month of Men’s Health. But I believe every month, every day and every minute give us ample reason to celebrate your greatness. You care for us just like we care for you. So, let me share some advices about how you can stay healthy and happy for years.
Do you know men are more prone to cancer development and death than women? According to the oncologists at the leading cancer hospitals in Kolkata, some cancers are more prevalent in men than in women. These cancers affect skin, lung, colorectal and prostate. Researchers are yet to unlock the puzzles of what causes cancers but they have successfully found out several factors that trigger abnormal mutations, some of which are responsible for cancer development, progress and spread. These causes are called risk factors. It is not possible to prevent cancer but there are ways to reduce the risks of having the disease.
Some risk factors are uncontrollable, whereas you can control the rest. A family history of certain types of cancers enhances your risk. However, there is hardly anything that you can do about it. Now talk about lifestyle and I can tell there are many changes you can do to keep the monster away from you. That’s not a guarantee, but then, why not to give it a try? Moreover, it can reduce the risks of other diseases too. For example, heart attack and stroke. I’m now quoting Dr. Arnab Gupta, the director at Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, the best cancer hospital in West Bengal.
“Compared to women, a few men use an umbrella when going out in the sun. Exposure to the sun is good for our health but keep in mind its ultra-violet rays have carcinogenic properties, which mean they can cause cancer. When it rains, umbrella is fine but in sunny days, it is okay to leave it at home – this is a common attitude in most men. Men should change this outlook to curb the risk of skin cancer”. Mr. Gupta suggests some more lifestyle changes for men. These are:
- Say ‘NO’ to tobacco.
- Give up smoking (if you smoke) and also avoid being a passive smoker.
- Limit the amount of your alcohol intake. Giving it a quit is definitely the best option.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Belly fat is most dangerous and one of the major risk factors for different types of cancers like liver cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer etc.
- Eat a healthy diet loaded with plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid junk foods and processed meat.
- Do exercises. Walk 4 km at a stretch in 45 minutes. You don’t need to hit the gym; light-hand exercises are fine to stay in fine fettle.
After you cross the half-century mark, get your PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) checked annually. Regular screening can also prevent collateral cancer. Remember, we depend on you just like you depend on us. Together we create, together we celebrate. Let’s take care of each other and celebrate this togetherness.