On Father’s Day, All They Want Is A Healthy You

As soon as you become a father, your health goes from a personal choice to a pivotal responsibility. Read Lifecare’s recap on increased health risks for 40+ males, and how to keep them in check.

The best gift you can give your children – is you. The fun-filled, vibrant, energetic version of you, who can throw them up in the air without running out of breath, and spring out of bed to watch the sunrise and share your wisdom for decades to come.

That won’t happen unless you are in good health. Age brings with it the added risk of many health conditions which, if not acted on, can become chronic and debilitating very quickly.

Prevention is the best medicine, which is why Lifecare works with accredited partner labs to offer members up to 25% off of a variety of health screening packages.

As well as getting checked, it’s important to educate yourself on the most common health conditions that affect the 40+ male, and how you can change your lifestyle to lower your risk.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death across the globe for both sexes, but men are more likely to have a heart attack at a younger age. As many as 1 in 10 heart attacks occur in males under the age of 45, which happen as a result of atherosclerosis, or ‘hardening of the arteries’, caused by a build up of cholesterol plaques.

Men therefore have to work harder to reduce their risks of heart attack and stroke – and the earlier the better. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels need to be checked regularly, and action taken to reduce them if they are high. If you smoke, it’s time to stop – as this is the single most powerful contributor to atherosclerosis, regardless of age. And, although you’ve heard it many times before, 30 minutes of physical exercise per day, eating more fruits and vegetables and limiting saturated and trans fats have the biggest impact on heart health.

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or ‘adult-onset’ diabetes, naturally increases with age as the body becomes less tolerant of sugars, but men who gain weight as they age enter an extremely high-risk zone.

Obesity is believed to account for 80-85% of the risk of developing the condition according to Diabetes UK. Research shows that men develop type 2 diabetes following less weight gain than women, with a 2016 British Medical Journal (BMJ) study confirming men with diabetes had an average waist size which was 9cm larger than those without the condition, while women with diabetes had an average 14cm larger waist than women without, proving men to be more susceptible with a smaller jump in weight.

To significantly reduce their risk, men should maintain a BMI between 18 and 24.9, and a waist circumference less than 94cm (37 inches).

Cancers that occur most among men aged 40+ are testicular, prostate, colorectal, lung, and skin cancers. While family history and ethnicity also increases risk, there are several lifestyle choices that can dramatically reduce it.

The most effective ways to lower your cancer risk as a 40-year-old male are:

  • Quit smoking.
  • Get to and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Get moving with 30 minutes of physical activity per day.
  • Follow a healthy eating pattern that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and that limits or avoids red/processed meats and highly processed foods.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Limit UV exposure and protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothing
  • Know yourself, your family history, and your risks.
  • Get regular check-ups and cancer screening tests.

A full health screening will arm you with the facts, assess your risk and plan your future – for yourself and your family.

To arrange a health screening with Lifecare’s accredited partners with up to 25% off :

Call: +971 50 1076873 or

Email:  beyondinsurance@lifecareinternational.com

Sources: World Health Organization, American Heart Association, Harvard Health Publishing, Diabetes UK, NHS UK, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Cancer Society, British Medical Journal.