Men are often at risk of a variety of diseases and illnesses throughout their lives, depending on their lifestyle and family history. However, regular health check-ups can help you manage as well as prevent these health issues. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing conditions like diabetes and getting regular cholesterol screenings can help you lower the risk of heart disease. This International Men's Day, we thought it would be apt to give you a low-down of the most common health issues men suffer from.

1. Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease tops the list of men's health issues. And while cardiovascular disease is easy to confuse with heart disease, it generally refers to conditions that involve blocked or narrowed blood vessels that lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Adopting healthy eating habits and regular exercise can help you lower the risk of the disease. However, if you have a family history of heart disease, you should start screening as early as 13 years old.

2. Diabetes

Most men begin their career at a very early age which means they adopt unhealthy lifestyle habits which often lead to weight gain and blood pressure issues. Obese men are at a high risk of developing diabetes which also puts them at risk of lower testosterone levels and sexual impotence. These conditions, in turn, are responsible for anxiety and depression in men. International Men's Day 2019: All FAQs Answered About the Day Promoting Men's Health & Other Issues Faced by Them. 

3. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

STIs and STDs are also common health issues in men in their 20s and the Human Papilloma Virus has also been linked to a number of cancers. Practicing safer sex by using protection can cut down your risk of developing these diseases by a mark.

4. Alcohol-Related Problems

According to CDC, men are more likely to be a victim of excessive drinking than women, and this transcribes to a higher number of alcohol-related deaths in men. Alcohol abuse can potentially affect testicular function and hormone production, leading to infertility and impotence. If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, you may want to consider counselling and medical advice. From Impotence to Pot Belly, 8 Symptoms Men Should NEVER Ignore. 

5. COPD and Respiratory Problems

COPD is an umbrella term that is used to describe progressive lung diseases like chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma, and emphysema. According to studies, it is the use of tobacco that makes men more prone to suffer from lung diseases like COPD. Did you know smoking is also one of the leading causes of lung cancer in men?

6. Influenza and Pneumonia

Influenza and pneumonia are two other diseases that are common especially in older men. Older men have compromised immune systems as a result of COPD, diabetes or any other cardiovascular disease find themselves as a victim of pneumonia. Developing healthy habits early in life can be key to avoiding chronic diseases later in life.

7. Cancer

Depending on the lifestyle and family history, men can be at risk of several types of cancer throughout their lives. It turns out that younger men are more at risk of skin cancer, whereas older men are more prone to prostate and colon cancer. If you do not have a family history of any type of cancer, you should start getting screened at age 50, but if your dad or a brother has had it, you may just want to start your screenings early. Top Cancer-Causing Foods You Should Stop Eating Right Now!

Erectile dysfunction is another common problem that most men face. That said, it is more common in men who suffer from two chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension at the same time. While erectile dysfunction is more common on men in the 50s, they can also suffer from the condition as early as 30s. If you suffer from one, talk to your doctor about relaxation techniques and prescription medicines, instead of trying self-medication.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 19, 2019 01:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).