Most complementary therapists will admit to seeing many times more female patients than male ones. Traditionally, men have tended to be more resistant to a preventative approach to health, often preferring to wait until more heroic measures become unavoidable.

However, hardly a day passes now without references to MRSA, drug side effects and NHS waiting lists, to mention just a few. This ever-increasing number of medically-generated problems is finally having an effect on men's attitude to their well-being. As a result more men are now coming to the osteopath, nutritional therapist and other complementary therapists in an attempt to keep themselves healthy and active.

Are men more vulnerable health-wise?

There are, of course, several specifically male disorders, including prostate enlargement, and testicular cancer. However, men are particularly prone to circulatory and heart problems. By the age of 60, every 5th man can expect to develop coronary heart disease. They experience angina and heart attacks 10 - 20 years earlier than women, and suffer significantly more strokes.

Men are genetically programmed to store fat around the abdomen - even a small 'paunch' increases the likelihood of diabetes, heart problems and low back pain. It also appears that high levels of stress can encourage heart problems, cancers, strokes, hypertension and an even larger belly!

What can be done to reduce the risk?

All the normal health-promoting interventions will help:

Lose weight
Stop smoking
Reduce alcohol
Eat a 'Mediterranean' diet
Practise stress management
Increase sensible exercise

However, any man with significant health problems, multiple risk factors or a family history of circulatory problems could consider a comprehensive Cardio-Vascular Risk Assessment Test. This can become the basis for an individualised nutrition and exercise programme which can significantly improve your health and reduce your risk of almost all degenerative diseases, not only heart problems. These include: arthritis, back problems, many cancers, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and digestive problems. For more information see the articles on Heart and Circulation.

Some health insurers will pay the cost of these diagnostic tests but be sure to check this beforehand.

Where do I start?

A nutritional assessment is a good start. It can offer personalised suggestions to help weight control, and reduce risk factors such as high cholesterol levels.

Osteopathic treatment can help posture and encourage health-promoting exercise.

Psych-K™ is a fast and effective way to reduce your reaction to stress. It is also valuable for increasing motivation, and reducing the dependence on cigarettes or alcohol.

Top



Site Map	© The Margaret Papoutsis Practice	Developed by Effective Webs