Latest news with #AngelaDowney
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Men over 50 should know about these 9 sneaky health problems — low testosterone, heart disease and more
Plus, the steps you need to take to address them. If you're a man over 50, chances are you've noticed some of the more obvious signs of aging, like grey hair or wrinkles. But there can be some not-so-obvious changes due to age that can lead to sneaky health issues, even for men who lead a healthy lifestyle. As the years pass, everyone's cells and the systems that repair them wear down, which can make you more vulnerable to certain health conditions. 'It's like your body's maintenance crew gets a little tired and understaffed,' says Dr. Angela Downey, family physician and host of the Codependent Doctor podcast. While aging brings on a higher risk of certain health conditions for everyone, there are certain problems that men over 50 should be aware of. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. 'Prostate enlargement and prostate cancer become more common. Men also tend to ignore early signs of depression or cardiovascular disease, so mental health and heart health need extra attention,' Downey told Yahoo Canada, also pointing out that 'testosterone naturally declines, which can affect energy, mood and libido.' So, what's a guy to do about all of this? There's plenty, actually — and the more informed you are, the better prepared you can be. Let's look at 9 common health problems in men over 50 and what to do about them. 9 common health issues for men over 50 and how to combat them 1. Low testosterone Around 8 per cent of men aged 50 to 79 have low testosterone — but don't be quick to brush it off as just a regular part of aging. Testosterone is produced in the testicles and controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain, and low testosterone can be caused by injuries and medical conditions affecting any of these. If you notice a decrease in your energy, mood or sex drive, or start experiencing hot flashes (yep, men get them, too), talk to your doctor. Low testosterone can be diagnosed with blood tests and treated with testosterone replacement therapy. 2. Erection problems Erectile dysfunction, which includes trouble getting or keeping an erection long enough to have intercourse, is very common. Around 40 per cent of men in their 40s experience it, and the risk increases by around 10 per cent per decade. Sometimes it's as simple as stress, nerves or not being in the mood, but it can also point to something else going on, like heart or nerve issues or low testosterone. If it keeps happening or you're not sure why, it's important to talk to your doctor. 3. Depression Depression in men over 50 can sometimes be linked to hormonal changes, like low testosterone, chronic illness and life stressors — and early symptoms are often overlooked or downplayed. Many men find it hard to talk about their feelings, but reaching out for help is important. If you're struggling, know you're not alone and help is available. Talk to a friend or loved one or consider seeking support from a doctor or mental health professional. You can also find an extensive list of mental health services, including provincial and territorial services, crisis lines, support groups and more, on the Government of Canada website. 4. Obesity and other weight issues Around 65 per cent of Canadians have a body mass index (BMI) that's classified as overweight or obese — and most are men between the ages of 50-64. Carrying extra weight, especially around the abdomen, is linked to sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, heart issues, stroke, diabetes and even some cancers. While diet and activity levels play a role, so do your genes and changes in hormones. Eating better and being more active can help you reach a healthier weight, but there are also other tools available if needed. If you're finding it tough to lose weight, don't hesitate to talk with your doctor or a healthcare professional. 5. Heart disease Heart disease can happen at any time, but it's in your 50s that risk factors — like weight gain, high blood pressure and cholesterol — are more likely to kick up a notch and continue to increase the older you age. Downey recommends regular blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks. If you're over 65, doctors recommend a screening ultrasound to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a bulge in the main artery that carries blood from your heart. These are more common in men, especially if you're over 60 or have a history of smoking or heart problems. 6. Prostate problems As men age, it's common for the prostate to get bigger — and most men have some prostate enlargement by the time they're 70. An enlarged prostate (also called BPH) isn't linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer, but it can cause symptoms, like trouble peeing, incontinence and blood in your urine. Prostate cancer isn't as common as BPH, but it is the most common cancer for men in Canada. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends starting screening at 50 if you're at average risk, or 45 if you're at high risk. 7. Cancer Cancer can develop at any age, but 9 out of 10 cancers in Canada are diagnosed in people over the age of 50. There are a lot of variables that affect a person's risk of getting cancer. While not all of them, like genetics, can be helped, avoiding common risk factors, like smoking and alcohol, can help. Doctors also recommend appropriate screening, based on your age and risk factors, to help increase your chances of finding any cancer early when it's easier to treat. Speak to your doctor about your cancer risk and screening, or if you have symptoms of cancer. 8. Hearing loss Hearing loss can affect anyone, but of the estimated 2.7 million Canadians over 45 with hearing loss, around 1.5 million of them are men. You may think that needing to turn the TV up or having trouble keeping up with conversations in noisy environments is just a natural part of getting older — but hearing loss can be caused by more than just aging. Illness, injuries and even certain medications can contribute to the issue. If you're over 50, it's a good idea to schedule a hearing test whether you notice a change in your hearing or not. 9. Vision problems Seeing more floaters? Finding yourself squinting more? Having trouble telling the difference between green and blue? These are common signs of aging eyes. The risk of certain ocular diseases, like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration also increases over 50, which is why regular eye exams are so important. The Canadian Association of Optometrists also recommends protecting your eyes from the sun's UV rays, eating an antioxidant-rich diet and getting regular exercise to prevent or delay age-related eye problems.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Women over 50, read this: 10 health problems you should have on your radar — and what to do about them
Health risks for females typically increases even further after menopause. Feel like you're a young 50? While many older Canadians report feeling younger mentally and physically than their age, once you hit 50, certain health issues can sneak up on you — no matter how good you feel. 'As we age, our cells naturally wear down, as do the systems that repair them. It's like your body's maintenance crew gets a little tired and understaffed,' explains Dr. Angela Downey, family physician and host of the "Codependent Doctor" podcast. 'This makes us more vulnerable to things like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, even if we've lived a healthy life until this point.' While this is the case for everyone, being a woman comes with a few extra health risks. 'After menopause, estrogen levels drop, which increases the risk of heart disease, autoimmune conditions, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and osteoporosis,' Downey adds. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Knowledge is power, the old adage goes, so we're digging into the 10 different health problems that should be on your radar if you're a woman over 50 — plus how to stay on top of them. 10 health problems every woman over 50 should know — and what to do about them 1. Vision problems Vision changes are a known byproduct of getting older, but lower estrogen levels after menopause can also affect your eye health and lead to a need for glasses or a stronger prescription, reduced night vision and even a higher risk of eye conditions like dry eye and macular degeneration. You can stay on top of your eye health by having regular eye exams. Even if you have no vision issues, it's recommended you get an eye exam every two to three years if you're under 40, and every two years if you're over 40. Once you hit 65? Optometrists advise a yearly visit to stay on top of your ocular health. And of course, if you notice any sudden vision changes or physical changes to one or both of your eyes, head to the eye doctor as soon as possible. 2. Hearing loss Hearing loss is more common in men than women, but don't let that keep you from scheduling a hearing test. Around 54 per cent of Canadians aged 40 to 79 have mild hearing loss — but it can be quite sneaky. A lot of people who suffer from it don't even notice an issue. You may feel like your ear is a bit clogged or only have trouble hearing in noisy places. Even if the symptoms aren't impacting your daily life, it's important to have your hearing checked if you're over 50 or notice a change. It's not just age that can cause hearing loss; injuries, illness and certain medications can mess with your hearing, too. 3. Heart disease According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, heart disease and stroke is the number one cause of premature death of women in Canada. Even more concerning? A whopping 89 per cent of women don't know their unique risk factors, many of which increase with age and/or menopause, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and depression. Making heart-healthy lifestyle changes and seeing your doctor or pharmacist for regular blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar monitoring can help you keep your ticker healthy. 4. Osteoporosis Bone loss accelerates after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and one in three women break a bone due to the condition, according to Osteoporosis Canada. Your sex and age aren't the only risk factors; family history, certain medications and your diet also play a role. Engaging in regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D and not smoking can help you reduce your risk. If you've ever fractured a bone, have a family history of osteoporosis, or are post-menopausal, ask your doctor about screening. 5. Autoimmune diseases When it comes to autoimmune diseases, the odds are stacked against women. Around 80 per cent autoimmune diseases are diagnosed in women — and the risk of developing one increases after menopause, according to Downey. There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and thyroid diseases. Symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and digestive issues can overlap with other conditions, and there's no single definitive test for all of them, making diagnosis tricky. If you notice new symptoms, see your doctor for appropriate testing. 6. Cancer A whopping nine in 10 cancers in Canada are diagnosed in people over the age of 50 — and aging is the most important risk factor for cancer. While this is true for males and females, there are some cancers that only or predominantly affect females, including cervical, breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. Lung cancer, which once mostly affected men, is now affecting more women. Family history, age of your first period and number of pregnancies are just a few of the factors that affect a woman's risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening. 7. Obesity About 65 per cent of Canadians are overweight or obese, most of them between ages 40 and 69. Slower metabolism less activity and hormonal shifts — especially during perimenopause, which causes an average weight gain of 4.5 pounds — are contributing factors. Staying active and eating well can help, but if needed, there are other tools available that may be worth discussing with your health-care provider. 8. Vaginal dryness Vaginal aging is a thing. As we — and our vaginas — get older, lower estrogen levels cause our once moist and flexible vaginal tissues to the become drier, thinner and less stretchy. Whether you're having sex or not, treating vaginal dryness is important because if left untreated, it can lead to symptoms like irritation and microtears, which can in turn increase your risk of infections. Vaginal dryness can be managed with over-the-counter treatments like vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. If those don't work, your health-care provider can prescribe topical estrogen, which is available in Canada in cream or tablet form. 9. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Female anatomy — and having the urethra and anus in such close quarters — is to blame for females experiencing far more UTIs than men because it makes getting bacteria from one opening to the other a lot easier. After menopause, the risk increases due to skin irritation and tears from vaginal dryness and a decrease in good vaginal bacteria, which lets the less helpful bacteria grow. UTIs can lead to infections higher in the urinary tract, such as the bladder or kidneys, which can have serious complications. Treating vaginal dryness (see above) can help reduce the risk of UTIs. If you suspect you have a UTI, a doctor or pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics to treat it. 10. Urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence can happen to anyone, but it's most common in women over 50. That said, don't pass it off as a regular part of aging, as it can have several causes, some of which are treatable. Along with lower estrogen levels which can affect vaginal and urethral tissues, pelvic floor damage from giving birth, UTIs and certain medical conditions and medications are a few potential causes. If you're suddenly leaking urine, even if just a little, don't hesitate to reach out to your health-care provider.
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Women over 50, read this: 10 health problems you should have on your radar — and what to do about them
Health risks for females typically increases even further after menopause. Feel like you're a young 50? While many older Canadians report feeling younger mentally and physically than their age, once you hit 50, certain health issues can sneak up on you — no matter how good you feel. 'As we age, our cells naturally wear down, as do the systems that repair them. It's like your body's maintenance crew gets a little tired and understaffed,' explains Dr. Angela Downey, family physician and host of the "Codependent Doctor" podcast. 'This makes us more vulnerable to things like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, even if we've lived a healthy life until this point.' While this is the case for everyone, being a woman comes with a few extra health risks. 'After menopause, estrogen levels drop, which increases the risk of heart disease, autoimmune conditions, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and osteoporosis,' Downey adds. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Knowledge is power, the old adage goes, so we're digging into the 10 different health problems that should be on your radar if you're a woman over 50 — plus how to stay on top of them. 10 health problems every woman over 50 should know — and what to do about them 1. Vision problems Vision changes are a known byproduct of getting older, but lower estrogen levels after menopause can also affect your eye health and lead to a need for glasses or a stronger prescription, reduced night vision and even a higher risk of eye conditions like dry eye and macular degeneration. You can stay on top of your eye health by having regular eye exams. Even if you have no vision issues, it's recommended you get an eye exam every two to three years if you're under 40, and every two years if you're over 40. Once you hit 65? Optometrists advise a yearly visit to stay on top of your ocular health. And of course, if you notice any sudden vision changes or physical changes to one or both of your eyes, head to the eye doctor as soon as possible. 2. Hearing loss Hearing loss is more common in men than women, but don't let that keep you from scheduling a hearing test. Around 54 per cent of Canadians aged 40 to 79 have mild hearing loss — but it can be quite sneaky. A lot of people who suffer from it don't even notice an issue. You may feel like your ear is a bit clogged or only have trouble hearing in noisy places. Even if the symptoms aren't impacting your daily life, it's important to have your hearing checked if you're over 50 or notice a change. It's not just age that can cause hearing loss; injuries, illness and certain medications can mess with your hearing, too. 3. Heart disease According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, heart disease and stroke is the number one cause of premature death of women in Canada. Even more concerning? A whopping 89 per cent of women don't know their unique risk factors, many of which increase with age and/or menopause, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and depression. Making heart-healthy lifestyle changes and seeing your doctor or pharmacist for regular blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar monitoring can help you keep your ticker healthy. 4. Osteoporosis Bone loss accelerates after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and one in three women break a bone due to the condition, according to Osteoporosis Canada. Your sex and age aren't the only risk factors; family history, certain medications and your diet also play a role. Engaging in regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D and not smoking can help you reduce your risk. If you've ever fractured a bone, have a family history of osteoporosis, or are post-menopausal, ask your doctor about screening. 5. Autoimmune diseases When it comes to autoimmune diseases, the odds are stacked against women. Around 80 per cent autoimmune diseases are diagnosed in women — and the risk of developing one increases after menopause, according to Downey. There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and thyroid diseases. Symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and digestive issues can overlap with other conditions, and there's no single definitive test for all of them, making diagnosis tricky. If you notice new symptoms, see your doctor for appropriate testing. 6. Cancer A whopping nine in 10 cancers in Canada are diagnosed in people over the age of 50 — and aging is the most important risk factor for cancer. While this is true for males and females, there are some cancers that only or predominantly affect females, including cervical, breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. Lung cancer, which once mostly affected men, is now affecting more women. Family history, age of your first period and number of pregnancies are just a few of the factors that affect a woman's risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening. 7. Obesity About 65 per cent of Canadians are overweight or obese, most of them between ages 40 and 69. Slower metabolism less activity and hormonal shifts — especially during perimenopause, which causes an average weight gain of 4.5 pounds — are contributing factors. Staying active and eating well can help, but if needed, there are other tools available that may be worth discussing with your health-care provider. 8. Vaginal dryness Vaginal aging is a thing. As we — and our vaginas — get older, lower estrogen levels cause our once moist and flexible vaginal tissues to the become drier, thinner and less stretchy. Whether you're having sex or not, treating vaginal dryness is important because if left untreated, it can lead to symptoms like irritation and microtears, which can in turn increase your risk of infections. Vaginal dryness can be managed with over-the-counter treatments like vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. If those don't work, your health-care provider can prescribe topical estrogen, which is available in Canada in cream or tablet form. 9. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Female anatomy — and having the urethra and anus in such close quarters — is to blame for females experiencing far more UTIs than men because it makes getting bacteria from one opening to the other a lot easier. After menopause, the risk increases due to skin irritation and tears from vaginal dryness and a decrease in good vaginal bacteria, which lets the less helpful bacteria grow. UTIs can lead to infections higher in the urinary tract, such as the bladder or kidneys, which can have serious complications. Treating vaginal dryness (see above) can help reduce the risk of UTIs. If you suspect you have a UTI, a doctor or pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics to treat it. 10. Urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence can happen to anyone, but it's most common in women over 50. That said, don't pass it off as a regular part of aging, as it can have several causes, some of which are treatable. Along with lower estrogen levels which can affect vaginal and urethral tissues, pelvic floor damage from giving birth, UTIs and certain medical conditions and medications are a few potential causes. If you're suddenly leaking urine, even if just a little, don't hesitate to reach out to your health-care the daily Crossword
