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The Path to Good Health

Attention has recently been focused on men's health, particularly highlighting that men face more risks than women and have shorter lifespans. 

A public health conference held at the Sjóvinnuhúsið revealed that the average lifespan for women is now 84 years, while for men, it is 80 years. Lifespan is steadily increasing for both genders. 

However, men still live, on average, four years shorter than women. The conference mentioned that this is due to men drinking more alcohol, smoking more, having unhealthy diets, being less physically active, and often feeling more lonely. 

Furthermore, men are more prone to accidents because they often have riskier jobs than women and are often willing to face more hazards. 

A fundamental challenge regarding men's health is that they tend to seek medical help too late. 

Faroese doctors have, however, emphasised that improvements are being made in this area, especially among younger men. They are getting themselves checked when they believe it is necessary, and this preventive approach is effective. 

Diseases resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle include cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. These are also the costliest diseases to treat. 

The Faroese Board of Public Health regularly emphasises that an active and healthy lifestyle can prevent lifestyle-related diseases. Recommendations include not smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, eating healthy food, engaging in physical activity, and fostering social connections. 

Regarding physical activity, it is shown that even a moderate amount of exercise each week can significantly improve one's health, even into older age. 

For example, a study is being conducted to compare the health status of 70-year-old men who have led physically active lives with those who have been inactive. Those who have been active are in much better health. 

Magni Mohr, the chairman of the Faroese Board of Public Health, was involved in conducting these studies. He mentioned that 70-year-old men who have always been physically active are even in better health than 30-year-old men who have led sedentary lives. 

There are many ways to improve health and prevent illnesses, and the solutions often involve taking simple steps to adjust one's lifestyle. 

Intermittent medical check-ups can also make a significant difference.