Why men are the (medically) weaker sex

 

Why men are the (medically) weaker sex

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Men rule on the playing field: they can generally run faster, lift more, and throw things farther than women can. In medical terms, though, men are the weaker sex. Why? It depends on a complex mix of biological, social, and behavioral factors.

Biological factors include the fact that, compared with men, women have substantially higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, which protects against heart disease. In addition, excess weight although common in both sexes is more of a problem for males. Women tend to carry excess weight on their hips and thighs, while men add it to their waistlines. This abdominal obesity is more damaging to health than lower-body obesity, sharply increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Among the important social factors are a set of traits that tend to be more common in men than in women. Type A behavior, stress, hostility, and anger have all been implicated as heart disease risk factors. Conversely, women generally have larger and more reliable social networks than men. Strong interpersonal relationships and support networks reduce the risk of many maladies.

As for behavioral factors, smoking, drinking, and drug abuse are traditionally male problems. Although the gap has narrowed to some degree, males still dominate in these self-destructive habits. Women also reap the health benefits of better diets. Meat-and-potatoes guys don’t eat veggiesâ€"but they should.

There are 10 ways for men to achieve long and healthy lives. Among them are these:

1. Avoid tobacco in all its forms.
   
   
2. Eat well. That means eating more healthful foods and fewer harmful foods.
   • Eat more: whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes, fish, low- or non-fat dairy products, and nuts and seeds.
   • Eat less: red meat, whole-milk dairy products, poultry skin, high-sodium (salty) processed foods, sweets, sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates, trans fats, and, if you need to lose weight, calories.
   
   
   
3. Exercise regularly, including:
   • 30 minutes of moderate exercise nearly every day.
   • Exercises for strength two to three times a week.
   • Exercises for flexibility and balance according to need.
   
   
   
4. Stay lean. It's equally hard for men and women, but even partial success will help.
   
   
5. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to one to two drinks a day, counting 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, and 1.5 ounces of liquor as one drink.
   
   
6. Reduce stress. Get enough sleep. Build social ties and community support.
   
   
7. Avoid risky behavior, including drug abuse, unsafe sex, dangerous driving, unsafe firearm use, and living in hazardous household conditions.
   
   
8. Reduce exposure to toxins and radiation, including sunlight and medical x-rays.
   
   
9. Get regular medical check-ups, screening tests, and immunizations. Listen to your body and report sounds of discord to your doctor.
   
   
10. Seek joy and share it with others. Laughter is good medicine. Fun and optimism improve health as well as happiness. And if you make changes 1 to 9 slowly, steadily, and reasonably, you will actually come to enjoy your healthful lifestyle.