There are certain basic tenets to lead a healthy lifestyle. Men have to understand the importance of healthy eating, healthy living and doing exercises. A minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, reducing intake of unhealthy saturated fats, fast food, processed food, conscious reduction of salt, sugar and oil especially if overweight or obese and taking more of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fiber rich food and experiencing a good night’s sleep spanning at least 7 hours, with mindful attempt to reduce stress and stop addictions will provide a great start to a healthy lifestyle. Well begun is half done! We also need to learn about improving muscle and bone strength and obtain adequate sunlight exposure, because men as they age are prone to fractures. Flexibility is also an important component of mobility.

It is wise to do some basic tests once we turn 40 years, though 40 is not a magical number. In few men, screening begins early in case of family history of lifestyle diseases (listed above). We talk to them regarding problems that they face, be it physical or related to their minds. Though men tend to shy away from erectile dysfunction as a disease, they should know that this could be an eye opener to uncover more serious issues like heart diseases or cerebrovascular events which we could detect 3-5 years ahead. This is bound to have a great impact in the quality of life. Penile erection depends on the amount of blood flowing inside it. It is a well known fact that there is deposition of fat inside arteries as age advances and this is compounded by sedentary habits, lifestyle diseases and addictions. Fat deposition inside arteries could be one of the reasons for reduced strength of erections in many men. The other reason is testosterone deficiency, a correctable cause and keeping up men’s testosterone levels within normal range is important for bone and heart health. Indians and Asians are more prone to lifestyle diseases, which is partly contributed by obesity and metabolic syndrome. A very important predictor of risk for future disease is waist circumference >90 cm.

So, let’s all pledge to improve our own health and lifestyle and make our fellow men realize that “Health is Wealth” and “A stitch in time saves nine.” Men always have the Herculean mindset and feel they are indomitable but it is time to realize that even men can be affected by diseases and it comes on them heavily. The four basic pillars of healthy living are nutrition, de-stress, inculcating lifestyle changes and exercises as routine and a good sleep.