As men age, they produce less testosterone than they did when production of this hormone peaks in early adulthood. The decline in testosterone as men age is sometimes called ageing male syndrome, late-onset hypogonadism or andropause. Whilst men's testes don't stop making testosterone and they do not lose their fertility as they age, women's ovaries stop making oestrogen at menopause and they lose their ability to get pregnant.
Belly fat on men can increase the likelihood of developing cancer. Every four extra inches on your waistline could increase the risk of prostate cancer by nearly 20 per cent. Whilst creating visibility of the genital area by losing weight, particularly around the stomach area is thought to increase self-esteem.
Oysters are an unexpected good health food for men because of the supply of zinc that they offer. Zinc is vital for repairing cells, increasing the sperm count and producing DNA.
There were around 2300 new cases of testicular cancer in the UK in 2013, which is an increase of more than six cases diagnosed every day. Yet testicular cancer is the 16th most common cancer. Almost half (47%) of testicular cancer cases in the UK each year are diagnosed in males aged under 35 (2011-2013).
Man Flu does exist! The higher level of testosterone in men causes them suffer more than women when they have the flu as their immune responses become weakened.
Unprotected anal sex amongst men makes them 18 times more likely to contract HIV. Simple changes like using condoms and lubricant are the best way to prevent the virus.
The life expectancy of men in the UK is rising faster than women’s, thought to be due to men seeking more medical advice, less heavy industrial jobs, better exercise, and less smoking and alcohol!
Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in the UK, but nearly double the amount of men die from it than women. Suitable physical activity is the best way to keep a healthy heart.
Men are more likely to commit suicide than women and also face more regular occurrences of alcohol-induced death and hospitalisation because of risk-taking behaviour and as they are less likely to seek help.
It is believed that prehistoric man would pluck out hairs using two shells. These days’ men spend an average of five months of their lives shaving. Running a razor against your face means you are actually inflicting a series of microscopic cuts which can on occasion become infected. If you have pits, craters or lesions on your skin, you may be shaving too often.
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About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
