Men’s health problems are the leading cause of men having lower life expectancies than women. Not to mention the leading cause of pharmaceutical ads on television.

Many of these problems are caused by the things men love to do: eat, drink and smoke. So it’s not surprising that the best way to prevent common men’s health problems is by being conscious. This is through losing weight, quitting smoking, drinking less, and having regular medical checkups.

10. Snoring

About 40 per cent of all adults snore, but it’s most common in older, middle-aged and overweight men. Not only does it affect your partner. It can interrupt your own ability to get a good night’s sleep as well. Weight loss, sleeping on your side, using over-the-counter breathing strips and avoiding alcohol before bed can reduce snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious snoring condition where the throat closes and breathing stops briefly. It relieves with a breathing machine but the most effective treatment is weight loss.

9. Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. These causes are numerous, including narrowing of blood vessels due to high blood pressure or high cholesterol. While medications and herbal remedies are helpful, men should first look to lifestyle causes such as smoking, drinking, stress, or depression.

8. Spare tire

“Spare tire” is a cute name for a serious men’s health problem – belly fat. Accumulated fat around the waist increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. Forget so-called spot reducers. Belly fat is best removed by cutting back on calories with diet or diet supplements. It can also be removed by increasing aerobic exercise and strength training.

7. Hair loss

Age and genetics cause hair loss – from male pattern baldness to the cue ball look. But, it can also be due to a drug reaction or skin diseases. In addition to hair plug implants and natural-looking hairpieces, there are a number of hair regrowth treatments that stimulate follicle growth in some men.

6. Infertility

Many couples having trouble getting pregnant. They are surprised to learn that about 40 percent of the cases are due to male fertility problems such as low sperm counts, low sperm mobility or deformed sperm. While homeopathic remedies are available, a urologist can determine if the problem can be resolved by medication or surgery. Lifestyle causes include smoking, alcohol, drugs, obesity, and exposure to pollution and environmental toxins.

5. Lung Cancer

Besides all of the other physical problems smoking contributes, it causes lung cancer – leading cancer in men. Addiction to nicotine is a tough one to break, but there are many addiction relief therapies that can help, including patches, gum, hypnosis, and support groups.

4. Acid Reflux

Frequent heartburn or acid indigestion could be indications of a serious problem – acid reflux. Gastro-oesophageal reflux, is caused by the esophageal sphincter allowing stomach acid to flow back into the throat or upper abdomen. Many heartburn medications offer temporary relief. Reflux can be caused by a hiatus hernia – a physical condition that can be relieved by medication or surgery – but it is mostly due to eating large fatty meals, lying down after eating, smoking, or excessive drinking.

3. High Blood Pressure

The causes of high blood pressure or hypertension are mostly unknown, but the diseases it causes are narrowing of the arteries, stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. Many factors increase the risk of high blood pressure, including obesity, smoking, drinking, lack of exercise, and high salt intake. Fortunately, hypertension responds well to medications and lifestyle changes.

2. Cardiovascular Disease

It’s the number one cause of death in men, but the good news is that cardiovascular disease and the heart attacks and strokes it causes are preventable. To reduce your chances of getting coronary heart disease, stop smoking, exercise regularly (4-5 times per week for at least 30 minutes), lose weight, lower your cholesterol, eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables daily, drink in moderation and have blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.

1. Prostate Problems

The prostate gland produces the fluid that is mixed with sperm for lubrication and is located below the bladder. It can get bigger with age and disrupt the flow of urine, causing discomfort, frequent urination, and, in a small percentage of cases, cancer. Homeopathic remedies can relieve physical discomfort. But men should have their prostate size checked regularly with a prostate rectal exam and get screened for cancer with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.