Surprising predictions part 4

 Men's Health Checklist: 10 Red Flag Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Every man should pay attention to his health, and here are some of the most common symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore. Do you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis? A doctor’s visit might be in order! By getting your health checked regularly, you can protect yourself from developing an illness down the road, so don’t ignore these red flag symptoms. Even if you aren’t experiencing any issues right now, there could be problems brewing beneath the surface that you aren’t aware of yet.

1) Changes in skin

If you notice changes in your skin, such as rashes, irritation or acne-like breakouts, see a doctor. Many men assume that these issues are from wearing tight clothing or chafing from an athletic activity. However, they could be a sign of a more serious condition like psoriasis, which is not only uncomfortable but can cause joint and muscle pain as well. If your skin isn’t responding to over-the-counter treatment, see a doctor right away—sometimes prescription medication can provide quick relief. And don’t worry about it being embarrassing; doctors have seen it all before. It’s just another part of their job. They understand what it’s like to deal with everyday problems, so keep that in mind when you visit them.

 Be honest about your symptoms and any other conditions you may have (such as high blood pressure) so they can treat you appropriately. A doctor will typically want to run tests, such as checking for infections or underlying diseases. Remember, a physical exam is only one part of getting diagnosed; medical tests are also very important. Make sure you schedule tests in advance because some require appointments longer than others do. You might even want to bring someone along with you if there’s something specific that concerns you about your health. Having someone there can help ensure that everything goes smoothly during your appointment and makes for a less stressful experience overall. If something comes up during your appointment, try not to take it personally; most likely, it’s just business as usual for them. This is especially true if you’re seeing a new doctor. 

There are many things they need to cover at once, so sometimes things come off as insensitive or uncaring. Just remember that everyone has different ways of communicating and acting, and yours might be different from theirs. That doesn’t mean anything bad about either of you; it just means you should give each otherotherotherotherotherotherotherother time to adjust to each other's styles. Keep in mind that doctors have to make tough decisions every day, and they often rely on gut instinct to get through difficult situations. While it’s great to ask questions and get answers, don’t expect your doctor to hand out easy solutions. Doctors know how complicated medicine can be, so they won’t sugarcoat anything with you. 

The best thing you can do is stay positive throughout the process and follow their instructions carefully so you can get better as quickly as possible. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to your doctor. Some patients feel nervous about telling their doctors how they really feel, but keeping quiet is rarely the answer. Even if you don’t tell them exactly what’s bothering you, talking to them openly will probably make both of you feel more comfortable. Plus, it’ll allow the two of you to work together toward a solution. Your healthcare provider knows that healthcare is expensive, so they’ll usually encourage you to use the least amount of resources possible while still achieving the same results. 

For example, going with generic drugs instead of brand names can save you money without affecting your quality of care. If you’re not sure what the difference is between generics and brand-name medications, your doctor can explain it to you. If you’ve been prescribed a medication, be sure to take it as directed. Don’t skip doses or stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to do so. If something happens and you miss a dose, call your doctor immediately so they can decide whether or not they want to reschedule the missed dose for later in the day or if they want to skip it altogether. Most importantly, don’t change medications on your own; always check with your doctor first. Doing so could lead to more serious complications down the road if you end up taking too much of a certain drug or mixing incompatible ones.

2) Back pain

Back pain that isn’t getting better and is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, changes in bowel habits or urinary symptoms, shortness of breath, chest pain with palpitations, or new weakness in one side of your body could be a sign of infection, cancer, osteoporosis, a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis), kidney disease or multiple sclerosis. If back pain lasts more than three days or doesn’t improve after following your doctor’s recommendations for treatment you should see another physician immediately. If a tumor presses on nerves in your spine it can cause severe lower back pain and numbness and tingling in one side of your body. Keep track of any changes to make sure they're not serious. It’s important to monitor how long you have had persistent symptoms, says Alan Dattner, MD, founder of Dattner Medical Group in New York City. Any condition that has persisted longer than four weeks may need further evaluation. 

Watch out for these signs your back pain might be something worse. For some men, there are no warning signs before their heart attack begins. However, there are certain risk factors that increase a man's chance of having a heart attack including: smoking; high cholesterol; high blood pressure; diabetes; being overweight or obese; and physical inactivity. Heart attacks strike without warning but they don't have to kill you if you act quickly. Recognizing these heart attack warning signs can save your life. Cardiac arrest occurs when electrical impulses from an abnormal heartbeat cause sudden muscle contractions throughout the body that stop its ability to function properly. The most common symptom of cardiac arrest is sudden collapse, but there are others which include: confusion; difficulty breathing; feeling lightheaded or dizzy; loss of consciousness; nausea/vomiting/diarrhea/constipation (these occur because of electrolyte imbalances). Cardiac arrest happens when electrical impulses from an abnormal heartbeat suddenly stop all activity in your heart and lungs. 

When cardiac arrest strikes you'll lose consciousness within seconds and won't be able to do anything about it because you won't even know what's happening. So it's critical to learn CPR so you can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on yourself or someone else who collapses until emergency medical help arrives. An estimated 80 percent of people who suffer a cardiac arrest die before reaching a hospital, usually due to asphyxiation caused by lack of oxygen during CPR.

The best way to avoid becoming one of those statistics is knowing how to perform CPR and using it correctly every time someone collapses around you. Anyone who wants to learn how to perform CPR should take a class at his local American Red Cross chapter. It’s a two-hour course that teaches people how to use chest compressions, rescue breaths, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help save lives in case of cardiac arrest.

3) Shortness of breath

Your lungs are one of your most vital organs, so it’s important to be on high alert if you notice yourself having trouble breathing. Shortness of breath can often be a symptom of asthma or allergies, but it could also signal a heart condition. If you experience episodes where it feels like your chest is caving in, get yourself to an emergency room stat—your heart could be malfunctioning and you need to get checked out immediately. Long term, it might even require medication or surgery. In otherotherotherotherotherotherotherother words, not something to ignore lightly. . . .

In addition to being very uncomfortable, frequent constipation can lead to serious health problems over time. While constipation itself isn’t necessarily dangerous (as long as you’re treating it), there are several issues that may develop from chronic constipation that you definitely want to address ASAP. For example, hard stools can cause hemorrhoids; straining during bowel movements may damage muscles and joints; diarrhea caused by laxatives can disrupt electrolyte levels; and more. As with shortness of breath, ask your doctor about what you should do if these symptoms continue for more than two weeks or occur frequently throughout each month. . . .

This is a tricky one—and one we don’t like to think about too much—but it’s important not to ignore any changes in your testicles. Changes in size, shape, color, consistency, and temperature could be signs of cancer. If you notice anything unusual going on down there (or if someone else points something out), schedule an appointment with a urologist right away so they can take a look at things. It might just be nothing, but better safe than sorry! . . .

In general, men tend to have higher cholesterol levels than women due to their higher risk for heart disease—but high cholesterol doesn’t discriminate based on gender or age. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, so if you notice your total blood cholesterol level creeping up over time (or if you already know it’s high), talk to your doctor about what you can do about it. High-cholesterol foods should be limited in your diet; exercise is encouraged; and medications may be prescribed depending on what other health issues you might have. . . . This one isn’t necessarily a red flag, but it could be an early warning sign of diabetes. If you find yourself urinating more frequently during the day (especially at night), check with your doctor as soon as possible so they can test your blood sugar levels and determine whether further testing is necessary.

4) Chronic cough/congestion

If you have a chronic cough, you should make an appointment with your doctor to get it checked out. A chronic cough could be caused by something as simple as a cold or allergies, but there are also many serious health issues that cause similar symptoms. If you have trouble breathing during your daily activities, you could be experiencing a collapsed lung and/or pneumonia. And if coughing up blood is involved, it could mean that you're suffering from tuberculosis or other infections in your lungs. 

Be sure to see your doctor if these symptoms don’t go away after a few weeks—and even sooner if they begin affecting other areas of your body (like wheezing or shortness of breath). This one can be tricky because some people who work out regularly actually do lose weight over time. This may seem like an obvious statement, but keep in mind that muscle weighs more than fat, so when someone adds muscle mass through exercise, they may weigh more than before without adding any fat at all! We know it sounds crazy, but try taking your measurements and comparing them to what they were last month or last year. Chances are those numbers will show a change. Don’t believe us? See for yourself . 

Weight gain isn’t always bad news. In fact, sometimes we need to put on pounds in order to increase our muscle mass and strength. But most of us want to avoid putting on excess pounds whenever possible. It doesn’t matter how much exercise you do if you aren’t eating right; it won’t help you shed those extra pounds and inches around your waistline. So take a look at your diet habits as well as how much physical activity you get each week, then tweak both until they match up with your goals. When you eat better and move more, you’ll feel healthier overall. Even if you’re not seeing results on the scale just yet, remember that losing weight is a process—and losing just 5% of your body weight can improve your health dramatically. That might not sound like much, but losing 5% means dropping just ten pounds for a 200-pound person or five pounds for a 150-pound person. That small change will make a big difference in how healthy you feel every day.

5) Vague aches and pains that don’t go away with rest

Many minor aches and pains are a normal part of being active. But there’s a big difference between feeling stiff and sore after activity, which is normal, and feeling pain when you’re inactive. A dull pain that gets worse with movement could be an indication of more serious problems like arthritis or tendinitis. Same goes for sharp shooting pains that start in one place but move to another, or unusual aches that come on at night while you sleep; any new joint pain, especially if it persists after resting or has come on quickly; numbness, tingling or weakness in your hands and feet; sudden weight loss without explanation; unexpected muscle loss (or growth) in new places—all of these symptoms could be signs of more serious conditions. If you experience any of them, see your doctor as soon as possible.

The pressure never seems to let up: In addition to pain, many men ignore other warning signs because they feel pressure from work and family obligations—like always having somewhere else they need to be. This can lead to chronic stress, which can have a huge impact on overall health by causing anxiety and depression. Chronic stress can also cause physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, stomach issues and heart disease over time. If you find yourself stressed out all the time, make sure you carve out some time each day just for yourself so that you can relax before things get too overwhelming. Your body will thank you for it. If your memory isn’t what it used to be: Memory loss is often an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, but there are lots of other reasons why your memory might not be what it used to be. 

For example, high blood pressure can cause short-term memory loss as well as dementia in severe cases. High cholesterol levels may also contribute to memory problems later in life, especially if you’re over 40 years old. Pay attention to how your memory has changed recently and see your doctor if you notice any new changes. A change in sexual function: When it comes to sexual function, most men experience changes as they age—but those changes should be gradual and expected. If you suddenly start experiencing erectile dysfunction or diminished libido without explanation, see your doctor right away. It could be a symptom of something more serious like diabetes or prostate cancer.

6) Changes in sleep patterns

Regular sleep is critical to good health, and changes in sleep patterns are often a sign of something more serious. If you’re sleeping too much or not enough, talk to your doctor. In addition, don’t ignore any unusual behaviors that might indicate sleep apnea—such as snoring loudly and frequently waking up from naps. Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. The CDC suggests that men with a BMI over 35 should get checked for sleep apnea every five years starting at age 35. (A man who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.) Your physician will use an instrument called a stethoscope to listen for abnormal breathing sounds during sleep; if he hears them, he may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. As of 2014, about 40 percent of U.S. adults had been diagnosed with high blood pressure, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among those who have it, only half have their condition under control.

 High blood pressure increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, blindness and other conditions. It also contributes to erectile dysfunction by making it harder for you to achieve an erection. Having high cholesterol increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease; however, there are many things you can do to reduce it naturally through diet and exercise. Studies show that people who eat plenty of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains tend to have lower cholesterol levels than those who don’t eat many fiber-rich foods. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables, which contain antioxidants that protect against cell damage, also helps keep cholesterol levels down. To stay healthy, men need to be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Physical activity lowers your risk of diabetes, hypertension and some types of cancer. Even just taking a brisk walk around your neighborhood can help keep you healthy! If you're not sure how much physical activity is right for you, ask your doctor how many calories you should burn each day based on your weight. Then try aiming for that number each day by walking or doing another form of aerobic exercise like biking or swimming laps.

7) Prostate problems/swollen testicles

The prostate gland is one of two sex glands in men, located between their bladder and their penis. It produces fluid that helps nourish and transport sperm, as well as some of the white blood cells that fight infection. As men age, they’re more likely to develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of these glands. In BPH, pressure from an enlarged prostate can cause difficulty urinating—and even serious urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney damage. If you feel discomfort during urination or notice blood in your urine, tell your doctor about it immediately; you might have a UTI or kidney stones forming due to an enlarged prostate. Another symptom of BPH is swelling or tenderness in your testicles. This may be caused by chronic inflammation, but there are other causes too, so if you experience pain while touching your testicles, see a doctor right away.

Pelvic pain/abdominal pain: Men are less likely than women to go to doctors for abdominal pain issues like bloating and constipation—but they should! These symptoms could indicate a number of health problems including colorectal cancer and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Pelvic pain could also be caused by an enlarged prostate pressing on nerves around the rectum or urethra. In some cases, pelvic pain can be caused by bladder infections, kidney stones, or even appendicitis. Tell your doctor about any discomfort you’re experiencing so he can rule out serious conditions before they become life-threatening.

Some men experience hair loss as part of normal aging, but if you notice excessive hair loss in addition to other red flag symptoms like weight loss and fatigue, it may be a sign of male pattern baldness or another type of hair loss called alopecia areata . If you have these symptoms, see your doctor right away so he can diagnose them properly and recommend treatment options if necessary. And remember that once you start losing your hair there’s no way to get it back; take care of what you have left!

8) Painful urination/burning urine

Painful urination or burning urine is a common sign of urinary tract infection. Tingly sensations while passing urine, frequent urge to urinate, and blood in urine are also symptoms of UTI. While both men and women can contract UTIs, men are at a higher risk because they usually have longer urethras that make it easier for bacteria to travel from their anus to their urinary tract. If you think you may have a UTI, consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Urinary tract infections typically respond well to antibiotics but if left untreated, can lead to kidney infections which could be fatal. To prevent contracting UTIs in future, keep your genital area clean by showering regularly after every workout session. This will ensure that there’s no bacteria lurking on your penis/testicles which could lead to a UTI later on. Also avoid sipping drinks like coffee and alcohol when going out with friends as these drinks irritate your bladder (the organ responsible for eliminating waste) making you more susceptible to contracting a UTI. 

Also refrain from holding back during peeing as doing so makes it harder for urine flow which might force harmful bacteria into your urinary tract causing pain and discomfort. So don’t hold back! Be sure to empty your bladder completely whenever you feel like you need to go. These simple steps will help prevent UTIs and other health problems related to urinary tract infections. Remember – prevention is better than cure!

A home remedy used by many people suffering from high cholesterol levels is avocados. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats that lower LDL cholesterol levels without adversely affecting HDL cholesterol levels—this essentially means less cholesterol deposits on arterial walls. Avocados also contain folic acid, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and lutein—all nutrients known to reduce LDL cholesterol levels along with improving heart health overall. The best way to consume avocados is by making a smoothie out of it or eating it as a salad topping. If you’re not a fan of its taste, try adding lemon juice or garlic powder to mask its flavor! While there are no side effects associated with consuming avocado regularly, remember that they’re high in calories so don’t overdo it!

In addition to being an effective acne treatment and skin moisturizer, coconut oil can be used as an effective hair treatment too! Coconut oil contains fatty acids like capric acid (C10) and lauric acid (C12) which help cleanse your scalp of dirt and grime while keeping your hair soft and shiny.

9) Diarrhea or constipation that lasts longer than 2 weeks

If you feel like your digestive system has been waging a war, with neither side coming out on top, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Constipation may be caused by dehydration, stress or eating too much processed food. If you can’t keep food in your body for more than a few days at a time, talk to your doctor about what might be going on with your GI tract and how to treat it. Your health depends on it.

Don’t ignore symptoms of diabetes: When blood sugar levels become high enough that they damage small blood vessels, patients develop diabetic retinopathy—when high blood sugar causes swelling in your retina (the lining of your eye). Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. Even if you don’t have vision problems yet, pay attention to any blurred vision when reading or watching TV. It could be a sign of high blood sugar and should be checked out by a doctor right away. The same goes for unexplained fatigue and tingling in your hands and feet. These are all red flags for diabetes. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting tested for diabetes right away. A fast heart rate might signal something serious: Rapid heartbeat isn’t always a cause for concern, but it is something worth talking to your doctor about. In most cases, doctors will want to rule out anything serious before prescribing medication or otherwise treating rapid heartbeat. So even if you aren’t sure whether you need treatment or not, see your doctor so he can check it out.

10) Unexplained weight loss or gain

If you’re experiencing either an unexplained weight loss or gain, it could be a symptom of many serious health conditions. Are your clothes feeling tighter? Your belt buckles feeling looser? These changes might just be a temporary reaction to fluctuating hormones. If not, there’s no time like now to visit your doctor to learn more about what could be causing these problems. Early detection is key when dealing with some medical issues and spotting symptoms early can make all the difference in preventing serious illness down the road. Remember, better safe than sorry! 

Another important health change to look out for is sudden chest pain or shortness of breath. Chest pain in men can be caused by several different things—from heart attacks to lung cancer—so anytime you experience strange aches and pains around your chest, keep a close eye on how they evolve over time. The same goes for shortness of breath; as we age, our lungs naturally lose some elasticity due to tissue stiffening (something known as emphysema), so frequent episodes of breathing troubles should always get checked out by a doctor regardless of age. There are plenty more serious concerns men should watch out for too (like testicular cancer if you’re younger than 35 years old), but each man has his own unique risks he should monitor closely throughout his life. If you notice any changes that concern you, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor. In many cases, early detection can save lives!