The life-expectancy gap between men and women has shrunk to 5.2 years, the narrowest since 1946. But men still need to pay more attention to their health. Why?Compared to women, men are more likely to:
. Smoke and drink more, and generally lead less healthy lifestyles
. Smoke and drink more, and generally lead less healthy lifestyles
. Join in fearless, risky, and dangerous behaviors
Greater understanding of women's health issues had been one of the successes of the feminist movement, Men and women share many health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. However, certain conditions, including prostate disorders, testicular problems and impotence are specific to men. Men's Health addresses emotional issues, as well as fitness, health, grooming, stress.
Various diseases seen in men

Heart disease

Heart disease claims more men's lives than any other disease. If you have a family history of heart disease, you have a greater chance of developing it. Changing your lifestyle can reduce this risk significantly by:
stopping smoking, if you smoke
maintaining a healthy weight
exercising regularly
controlling your blood pressure and stress levels
eating a healthy, balanced diet
keeping to a low salt intake
These lifestyle changes may also reduce the risk of many other diseases such as lung cancer, bowel cancer and stroke.
High blood pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you have high blood pressure over a long period of time, you are more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. If it's high on several separate occasions, your doctor may recommend medication to bring it back to normal.Blood pressure is usually considered high if it measures more than 140/90.
Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is more common with increasing age and is usually found in men over 50. The causes are unclear but there is an increased risk if a close relative such as your father or brother have had it. Prostate cancer can press on the urethra and block the flow of urine. As a result you may have difficulty urinating, have to urinate more often, experience pain on passing urine or have blood in the urine. Prostate cancer is often slow growing. Surgery, radiotherapy or hormone therapy may be considered for treatment.
Testicular cancer

Cancer of the testicle rarely causes pain, but may cause the scrotum to swell and requires prompt treatment. The most common symptoms are a painless lump and swelling due to the collection of fluid in the scrotum (hydrocoele). It's most common in men aged between 20 to 45.
Men's sexual health

Impotence (erectile dysfunction)

Impotence is an on-going inability to achieve or to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. The likelihood of being affected increases with age. Anything interfering with blood flow to the penis can lead to impotence. Disease, injury, medication, anxiety and depression are common causes.
A range of treatment options are available including psychotherapy, prescription medicines and devices. Drugs like sildenafil (eg Viagra) are highly effective in treating some forms of impotence.
Prevention of disease - a healthy lifestyle

A healthy diet doesn't mean you have to stop eating certain foods, it just means eating a wide variety of foods as part of a balanced diet. Ideally, this should include:
carbohydrates, such as bread, milk and rice - making up at least a third of your daily diet
protein, such as meat, fish and beans or lentils
fats, such as butter, which should be no more than a third of your daily diet
fruit and vegetables, at least five portions a day
less than six grams of salt per day
Watch your weight. When it comes to long-term health, keeping your weight from creeping up on you is more important than the exact ratio of fats to carbohydrates and amounts of antioxidants in your food.