Our health is one of the most important aspects of our lives. From our homes to vacations and gifts, there are a lot of things that money can buy, but not our health. Men, in particular, are more likely to deal with liver disease and cardiovascular disease than their female counterparts. If these issues progress to a critical point, there is oftentimes no resolution other than turning to organ donation. Men as a whole need to be aware of the warning signs of these common illnesses and need to take the appropriate steps to avoid exacerbating these health issues. If you want to learn more about how you can stay healthy and fit, or if you want to get involved with the organ donation process, contact one of the organ donation experts here at LifeCenter.
Liver Disease
Liver disease and issues associated with livers can come in many different forms. Some liver issues can be inherited via genetics; whereas other issues can be caused by what we put in our bodies. Your liver essentially functions as a filter for your body. Your liver works to remove toxins and impurities from our bodies, removing damaging chemicals from things we have eaten or ingested and keeping them from reaching other crucial organs. Other than genetic reasons, we can increase our chances of being affected by liver disease through alcohol abuse as well as through obesity.
The signs of liver disease can range from visible issues to internal problems, so if you notice any of the following symptoms, make sure you get checked out earlier than later:
- Jaundice, or the yellowing of skin and eyes
- Swelling and pain in the abdomen, legs, or ankles
- Dark urine
- Chronic fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Easily bruise
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular Disease is a blanket term for a wide variety of heart issues, some of which are congenital, or issues we are born with, and others that develop over time. Since cardiovascular disease covers such a wide variety of issues, symptoms can vary from case to case, and even vary by gender. Women are more likely to experience symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue whereas men are more likely to feel intense chest pain.
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease can include but aren’t limited to the following:
- Pain, pressure, or discomfort in your chest
- Shortness of breath
- Pain, weakness, or numbness in your extremities
- Pain in the upper half of your body
Kidneys
Kidneys are the most needed organ for transplant, with over 83% of the people on the waiting list currently looking for a kidney. Both men and women suffer from kidney failure, though there are more men in need of kidneys than women. In 2018, there were 12,760 male kidney transplants and 8,407 female kidney transplants.
Symptoms of kidney issues or failure can include:
- Fluid retention and swelling in your legs
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Irregular Heartbeat
Regardless of if you have been feeling symptoms or have a completely clean bill of health, it is always good to visit your doctor for your annual checkup. Make sure that you bring up any issues or concerns that you may have; the earlier you notice an issue the better chance you have to beat it. If you want to learn more about how you can help your fellow man, or want to learn more about the organ donation process, visit the LifeCenter website today.
