LOOKING GOOD AND FEELING GOOD - Men's Health - Body maintenance

Whether it's getting yourself into shape, pampering your skin, giving up smoking, or getting a good night's sleep - look after your body, it's with you for life!

Men have lagged behind women in taking care of their health, but it's time to catch up. If you're worried about a health matter, going to the doctor is the best way to deal with it. What holds men back? When it comes to their health, men are notoriously bad at seeking help. Sometimes embarrassment gets in the way. Often, though, it's because of outdated attitudes such as "Men don't get ill" or "Pull yourself together" - which don't help men at all. Of course, another common reason why men delay seeking help is the false belief that if you ignore something, it will go away. In fact, most health problems are simply and easily treated, but the longer they're left, the less this is true. Not only does early treatment mean it's more likely to be successful, but it means less worry, fewer sleepless nights, and so on. Unlike women, men often don't ask each other for advice about health problems, but they should, because it may save a lot of unnecessary worry.

Fearing the worst: The big fear is that a symptom will turn out to be a life-threatening illness such as cancer. Actually, most health problems are far less serious. Take, for example, the urinary symptoms that one in three men over the age of 65 suffer: getting up at night to urinate, having to urinate more frequently during the day, feeling the need to urgently go then passing only a weak dribble. The most likely cause is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which can be successfully treated.
Overcoming embarrassment: Another reason why men find it difficult to go and see the doctor is that they're frightened they'll stick out like a sore thumb. Traditionally, women are used to talking and asking about their health because they've had to go to the doctor for a variety of reasons: taking their child for immunisations, attending for family planning advice, antenatal care, cervical screening, and so on. Many men, on the other hand, aren't used to experiencing a doctor's surgery. They may be terrified that, even if they haven't got a problem that's located below the belly button and above the knees, everyone will think they have and know why they're there. Nowadays, men are pleasantly surprised when they go to the doctor. There will be other men in the waiting room - men who are there because of lung problems, heart problems, joint problems, rashes, in fact anything at all.
Exercise: More men than ever before are spending their working lives as well as their leisure time sitting down, making it more important than ever to take some exercise on a regular basis. Exercise makes your body stronger, fitter and more flexible. It protects your heart and bones, keeps your weight at an ideal level, helps to reduce stress and makes you feel good too.
Ways to stay fit
It doesn't matter what you do or where you do it - activity on a regular basis is what's important. Experts recommend that every man gets active for at least 20 to 30 minutes on at least five days of the week. You'll know if you're doing enough because you'll feel yourself breathing a little bit harder and faster, and your pulse will be faster than usual .It doesn't have to be the gym, either. Walking, cycling, swimming and running, are all simple, accessible and convenient ways to get a daily dose of exercise. Pick something that you enjoy. If it's going to feel like a chore then you're not going to do it.

Three types of exercise
Aerobic (also known as cardiovascular). Used to build up cardiovascular fitness and endurance, and to improve the absorption of oxygen by the lungs and its delivery around the body by the heart and circulation. Running, rowing and cycling are examples of good aerobic exercises.

Anaerobic. Used to build up strength. Exercises are performed against resistance, for instance weightlifting.

Stretching. Vital for developing the flexibility that protects muscles from injury.

Safe routine
Always warm up by doing five to ten minutes of light aerobic exercise such as running on the spot.

Stretch once the muscles are warmed up for about five minutes.

Perform your chosen exercise.

Cool down by doing light aerobic exercise again for five to ten minutes and performing a few stretches.

Drink water to replace any lost during your workout.