Archive for February, 2011

Radon Facts – What It Is And Why It Should Be Tested For In Your Home

February 28th, 2011

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that is a decay product of uranium that naturally occurs in soil and rock. The 2nd leading cause of lung cancer, Radon causes 15,000 to 21,000 deaths in the United States annually and has been found and identified in every state. Once produced, radon moves through the ground to the air above while portion remains in the earth and dissolves in underground water. It is estimated that over 6% of every home in the United States has elevated levels of radon that may need remediation. The Environmental Protection Agency and many state governments recommends Radon testing. The EPA states that any Radon exposure carries some risk. Radon levels are measured in picocuries. A picocurie (pCi) is a measure of the rate of radioactive decay of Radon. Remediation is suggested if the levels average 4 picocuries per liter or higher ( pCi/L) Unless Radon is tested for, there is no way of knowing how much Radon is present. Some states require radon testing for real estate transactions including property transfer or for mortgage approval on a planned property purchase. If Radon levels are not within an acceptable range within a planned purchase, ventilation remediation may be required before the sale will go through.

Only smoking causes more cases of lung cancer than does Radon exposure. If you smoke and are exposed to higher than normal Radon levels your risk of lung cancer is elevated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a Radon risk comparison chart available for those who smoke and who have never smoked. The problem is that Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can become trapped in your lungs. Over the course of a lifetime, lung tissue may become damaged. Breathing of Radon does not cause any short-term bad health effects such as fever, headaches or shortness of breath and everyone that is exposed to high radon levels will not develop lung cancer, but the potential risk is higher than usual. Radon in drinking water also poses some risk, but research shows those risks are much lower than those risks from breathing radon in the air.

Most indoor Radon comes into a building from the soil or rock beneath it. The Radon becomes trapped under a building and builds up pressure. The built up pressure forces the gases through cracks and other openings in a building and become concentrated. Because Radon levels are not predictable, it is wise to purchase an inexpensive Radon test to determine if levels are unacceptable in a home or building.

What is the Radon testing procedure?

Radon testing is inexpensive and easy. To perform a radon test simply follow the instructions provided and return the radon sampling bag in the self-addressed envelope. All that is required to collect the sample is to open the package and place the sampler in the area to be tested. The test start date and time and the completion date and time are recorded on the supplied data card that is returned with the collected sample. The sampler should be exposed to the environment in the area being tested for 2 days. The cost of the kit includes a laboratory analysis fee and the detailed report, which will be sent to you.

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How Does Radon Get Into My House?

February 25th, 2011

Radon mitigation is an important home service that many homeowners have been learning more about since information about the harmful effects of radon exposure is becoming more prevalent to obtain. As such, realtors and building contractors are informing their customers of radon testing and mitigation because unless a home has been tested there’s virtually no way anyone would be able to know whether a home had radon or how much.

The Facts

Radon is a toxic radioactive gas that results from the uranium decay of soil. First the uranium decays into radium only to later release the gas into the air. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates.4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) as the national average for the outdoor air, while 1.5 pCi/L is the national average for the indoor air.

Radon is considered toxic because it’s a proven Class A carcinogen, lung cancer to be exact. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer and causes an estimated 20,000 deaths each year.

Other Class A carcinogens include arsenic, asbestos and benzene. All homeowners are encouraged to learn about the risks and effects of radon exposure in order to better protect against contracting lung cancer. Knowledge is power and before learning about testing and mitigation, it’s time to learn how the radon actually enters a home.

Radon in Homes

There are several types of foundations. Of course there’s a slab-on-grade, basement or crawlspace and the manufactured homes– and all can have high radon levels.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, one in six homes in the U.S are being built with radon resistant systems, which amount to about 200,000 homes each year. When considering the counties with the high estimated radon levels, one in every three homes is built with a radon resistance system.

Although this doesn’t explain how radon enters into a home, it shows how any home is susceptible and that some builders are accommodating to this growing need to prevent radon exposure. However, not every builder does and it’s worth asking– if interested.

How Gas Enters

Gas can enter a home through the foundation because the uranium is within the soil. Once the uranium decays and the radon gas enters into the air beneath or around your foundation, it will enter your home through even the slightest crack or hole.

Radon commonly enters a home because of the stack effect, a natural process involving the rotation and influx of air. Many know that warm air rises, but that’s only part of the process. Once the warmer air rises and escapes through the top of the home, the unconditioned and cooler air from the outside replaces this escaped air. This unconditioned air that enters the home is what can carry the radon.

The air is being pushed around because of the difference in pressure from inside and outside the house. Since the inside pressure is lower than outside pressure, the radon and other air is pulled in like through a vacuum through any cracks and holes. Radon gets trapped inside and builds up.

Testing and Mitigation

The safest option for any homeowner is to hire a radon mitigation expert to test the home. Whether the levels are above the EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L or if they’re below, an expert can mitigate the home to reduce the levels as much as possible. In addition, be sure to inquire about maintenance checkups and what you can do to keep your home a safe place from radon.

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Radon and Lung Cancer – What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You When Buying a Home

February 23rd, 2011

Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States. As a Certified Property Inspector and Radon tester, I am seeing that most new home buyers are unaware of the dangers of Radon. As a result of this lack of information, most home buyers as well as current homeowners are not having their homes tested for Radon. In many cases, my clients have also been misinformed by real estate representatives or the media regarding both the prevalence and lung cancer dangers of radon. Radon testing if done by the homeowner, is inexpensive, and takes only 48 hours.

Here are some important facts about Radon that homeowners and renters should know to protect the health of your family. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. Visit cheec.uiowa.edu/misc/radon.html for more on a study by Dr. William Field on radon-related lung cancer in women.

Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. The type of construction, foundation or location does not prevent a Radon problem. Its presence in a home can pose a danger to a familys health. The only way to determine if a home has a Radon problem is to have an EPA standardized test done. This test can be completed by the homeowner or a certified professional.

The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend that all homes be tested for radon. All homes can be fixed if there is a radon problem found. The average cost of a radon fix for a home is about $1,200. Some home improvement stores sell inexpensive test kits for about $35 (which includes an EPA certified lab report). However, Consumer Reports recently found that those test kits were not very accurate. Therefore, if you want to do your own testing contact your state radon office for a better quality inexpensive test kit.

If the homeowner or buyer/seller does not or cannot to do the Radon testing (some states require a professional complete the test during a real estate transaction), visit the National Environmental Health Association Radon Certification website at: radongas.org/radon_measurement_service.shtml This site has properly certified radon testers as myself listed by the cities in your state.

The untimely deaths of Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve have raised public awareness about lung cancer, especially among people who have never smoked. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented; this is especially true for radon.

EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month, a time when state radon programs and other partners conduct special radon outreach activities and events across the country. The aim of National Radon Action Month is to increase the public’s awareness of radon, promote radon testing and mitigation, and advance the use of radon-resistant new construction practices.

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Radon Mitigation Improves Indoor Air Quality and Radiation Protection

February 20th, 2011

Should you test your home for radon gas? The only answer is YES! Why? Because radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and reducing your risk is easy.

You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. However, it still may be a problem in your home. The only way to know for sure if you have a problem is if you run a simple radon test in your home. Most radon test kits are performed over a 48 hour time span, and usually up to a week for the results to come back from the lab. There are quicker ways to test your home, such as using and electronic testing device. These methods are more expensive, and provide the same results as the 48 hour canisters do. If you have the extra time it’s advisable to use the simple canister test kits. You can these at your local hardware store.

If you discover that your home does have radon levels of 4 pCi/L (pico curries per liter) or higher, you’ll probably want to take action and have some type of radon remediation done in your home. This sounds more involved than it is, but rest assured you can have this done in one afternoon with results guaranteed below 4pCi/L. This will give you the radiation protection you and your family deserve.

Radon Remediation can be done in a number of different ways. It does depend on the design of your home, the square footage, whether you have drain tile and or a sump pit, or a crawl space etc… These things are commonly dealt with and a qualified radon mitigation technician will be able to tell you exactly what he will need to do to your home to get the lowest radon level possible for your home.

MYTH #1. My home is new so I don’t have a radon problem.

Fact: This is simply not true. New homes can have just as much radon inside as an older home and sometimes even more depending on how tight the house is built.

MYTH #2. My neighbor doesn’t have high radon levels so my house won’t either.

Fact: This is also not true. Your home could have twice as much radon as your neighbors home. This depends on if your house has a crawl space how tight it is, cracks in the floor, open sump lids etc…

MYTH #3. Radon isn’t really harmful, I’ve lived here for 25 years and don’t have any health problems.

Fact: The truth is that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Only people that smoke have a higher risk of getting lung cancer. You will reduce the risk of lung cancer when you reduce the radon levels, even if you have lived with an elevated radon level for a long time.

As a home-owner there are many things you can do prior to radon testing that can greatly reduce the levels. If you do these things prior to your radon test, it’s possible you may reduce the levels lower than 4pCi/L. This would put you in the safety zone and give you the option of not having an active system installed.

On the other hand, If you’re handy you could easily install a radon mitigation system in your home yourself with simple guided instructions.

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Radon And Real Estate – Know The Facts And Fear Not

February 19th, 2011

Concerned about buying or selling a home with Radon? You’ll find no need to worry if you educate yourself with the facts. Radon is found all over the United States, and one home can show a reading while the house next door shows nothing. From a real estate perspective, buyers can consider it a plus if a mitigation system is already in place, because that means the house has been tested, and fixed, and there’s no mystery. On the flip side, sellers can confidently let potential buyers see the radon results of a house, along with any mitigation, in a positive light, because information is more honorable than ignorance. I figure the good karma alone would pay off…

Radon is a radioactive gas found in soil and rock, formed by the decay of uranium, which is a natural process. Radon gas is invisible, with no odor or taste. Statistics say that radon hasn’t been shown to negatively affect home sales, but after my own experience of having the option to buy a house with radon, I wondered if that statistic was really true. I didn’t want to buy a “cancer-causing radon house” but that was a very uneducated and closed end thought. Ironically, I was ready and willing to buy a house that didn’t even mention radon at all. Of course, it had to finally occur to me, “What if this other house has radon too, and it’s just never been tested?”

In retrospect, our situation made me think that the psychology of not mentioning it at all could be pretty slick, and affective, but only initially. The truth is, there are still many people who – innocently – don’t consider it an important part of buying or selling a home; it simply doesn’t occur to them. There are many who even consider radon a scam entirely. However, out of respect and consideration for the market, it would probably be wise to have test results on hand.

Would you rather know, or choose ignorance? I’d rather know, particularly if a house had a high level that needed to be addressed with mitigation. An extremely high level, like 20 pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter) might spook me a little, but my chances of getting lung cancer even then (without mitigation) would only be 36 out of 1000, and that’s IF I were exposed over a lifetime. Statistics say that a level of 20 pCi/L would cause lung cancer to 260 out of 1000 people if they were exposed to that level for a lifetime AND they also smoked cigarettes. So obviously the level is hugely reduced for non-smokers, but we all know that smoking is its own risk anyway.

Human nature doesn’t typically want to think about risks and our emotional interpretation of them with numbers, charts and comparisons. Any one of us could still get hit by a bus tomorrow, right? Still, information offers wisdom, and to make a decision as a home buyer, you should take a look at the numbers with a mitigation system in place so you can at least see that there’s no need for extensive fear.

Mitigation systems can reduce whatever level of radon that is present down to 2 to 4 pCi/L. Because of the very definition of radon, the EPA can’t say that they consider any level safe, but they do say that 2 to 4 pCi/L is acceptable, with minimal risks. If mitigation lowers radon to an acceptable level, the EPA says your chances of getting lung cancer are only about 5 in 1000. With lower numbers like that, one realizes that walking or living in pollution over a lifetime could just as easily have ramifications too, like a dozen or more other factors. Okay, so, “Warning: being alive will kill you one day.” No big surprise there.

It’s nothing to make fun of, but very low levels of radon need not be perceived as alarms that make home buyers run for the hills. Humans have been living with varying amounts of radon in the earth and air for a long time, completely oblivious to it for the most part. It fluctuates with warm and cold, damp and dry conditions, and furthermore, there are worse things in the world that can be just as hazardous to our health, if not more so. Don’t become phobic, but stop and think about the chemistry, biology and toxins all over our environments; some of our cleaning products, molds, pesticides, pets, and even food choices… Heaven help us if we over-analyze “indoor pollution” and “what’s in that dust?”

Here are some things to consider, just to make sure you’re informed and have no unnecessary fears or misconceptions.

How long might you live in the house? Some people buy a house to live in for a lifetime while others know that they will want to take it up a notch in 5 or so years. Radon’s health risks are charted to show how a person’s health would be affected over a lifetime of exposure; this is probably equivalent to 20 years or more. The risk for only 5 to 10 years of exposure would likely show lower risks than the EPA’s “over a lifetime” chart.

According to the EPA, the average indoor radon level is estimated to be about 1.3 pCi/L. If you buy a home that hasn’t been tested at all, consider that this average exists.

Yes, radon is a hazard, but it can be fixed. Have confidence in mitigation systems, and if you have any doubt, contact the National Radon Hotline at 1-800-SOS RADON to ask if there are mitigation professionals in your area that can check the system. If they can’t tell you, they can at least give you the number to your state’s radon office so you can find out about trained mitigation contractors in your area.

Study the Environmental Protection Agency’s website (www.epa.gov) to find many consumer resources, including information about radon and health, and how various mitigation systems work.

If you’re in love with a house that you want to buy, don’t hesitate to ask the seller to test for radon, even though it may take some extra time. If the score shows radon above the “acceptable” level, know that mitigation can either be requested as a contingency in your offer, or you can try to get a fair reduction on the price of the house to accommodate your cost of adding mitigation.

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How Radon Gas Compares to Cigarette Smoke And X-Ray Radiation

February 18th, 2011

Ever since the World Health Organization released their test results and confirmation that radon is a proven carcinogen and that radon testing and radon mitigation is necessary throughout the world, homeowners and businesses are beginning to take the risks of indoor radon exposure all the more seriously.

Radon Information

It’s infamous and it’s on the prowl. This gas easily goes unnoticed as it’s invisible, unscented and tasteless. All too often many homeowners are living in radon infested homes, not just for one or two years– but sometimes a lifetime!

Whether you live in the U.S. or India, radon is everywhere. It’s the result of uranium’s decay in soil that causes polonium to be released thus creating such high toxicity.

Seeing as many people don’t know the radon levels within their home, job or school; it’s all the more important that these places are tested. Regardless of the amount, you won’t be able to notice. Regardless of the amount, you could get lung cancer.

“Most radon-induced lung cancers occur from low and medium dose exposures in people’s homes. Radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer after smoking in many countries,” said Dr. Maria Neira of the WHO.

Although very scary, testing and removal is very easy and well worth the investment.

Smoking

The effects of smoking are far more widely publicized and understood in comparison to the effects of this toxic gas. However, although smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, radon exposure is a close second causing an estimated 20,000 deaths each year– according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

According to the WHO, Radon is the cause of 15 percent of the world’s recorded lung cancer cases.

Unfortunately, 1 pCi/L is equal to 2.5 cigarettes a day! The suggested action level established by the EPA rests at 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) and 2.7 pCi/L according to the WHO– now it can become understandable how even the low levels of radon can cause problems.

Radiation

As more and more people are learning about radon, it’s important to recognize that the radiation from radon far surpasses that of even the hospital chest x-rays. In fact, here’s something worth considering.
In general, homeowners should try to obtain the lowest possible level within their home because the effects of slight exposure are, as we’ve learned, proven to be quite severe.

So, to give you some insight into this Group A Carcinogen and how it links to radiation, let’s actually compare the effects of radon exposure and the effects of the radiation from x-rays.

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Safeguard Your Family From Dangerous Radon Gas – Test Your Home For Radon Today

February 17th, 2011

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is harmless in low concentrations. Outdoors, as it seeps out of the soil, the radon safely dissipates into the atmosphere. But as radon leeches into your home through the foundation or crawl space, it has nowhere to go-gradually accumulating over time, these high concentrations of radon gas can be extremely dangerous for your family! Keep your family safe: call the professionals today for an accurate radon test.

Why should you care about radon in your home?

In small doses and during short term exposure, radon is generally harmless. But high concentrations of radon gas can be hazardous to your whole family’s health. The number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the number two cause in smokers, radon is a known carcinogen. And, as the American Lung Association estimates, the average American spends between 60% and 90% of the time inside their home. That’s a ton of exposure to this dangerous gas if you have a radon problem in your home!

How do you know if you have a radon problem?

Because radon is both odorless and invisible, radon testing is the only way to gauge whether or not you have a problem in your home. This non-invasive test involves measuring the concentration of radon in your house’s air. While there are do-it-yourself radon test kits available, we strongly suggest using a professional radon contractor for your test. These experts are able to provide the most precise, accurate radon measurements, ensuring you get the correct information you need to know your family is safe!

What should I do if my radon test comes back positive?

If your radon test indicates a high level of the gas inside your house, you need to address the problem immediately.

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Radon Linked With Cancer: How to Ensure Your Home is Radon-Free

February 17th, 2011

Radon is responsible for at least 15,000 to 20,000 getting lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. In fact, radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This tragedy is compounded by the fact that both radon testing and radon mitigation are simple and inexpensive. While nationally 1 in 15 homes may show dangerous levels of radon, the average levels in many parts of the mid-Atlantic may be two to three times higher than this. There are no immediate symptoms of radon exposure and you cannot see, taste, feel, or smell radon. Cancer can show up five to 25 years after exposure and about 12% of lung cancer diagnoses are caused by radon.

Where Radon Comes From

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the soil. It is a byproduct of uranium decay. Radon can be found in-new homes, older homes, homes in need of repair, homes without basements; there is no pattern. Your neighbor’s home might be radon-free, while your home has dangerous levels. Radon can come from the ground beneath a home, well water, and various building materials. The only way to know is to test your home, which can be done for less than $30 with a simple kit available at most hardware stores.

Before Buying a Home:

  • Ask the seller for a copy of the home’s radon test results. If the home has not been tested, ask your home inspector to include a radon test in his report.
  • Make sure that the Radon Testing Checklist items were met.
  • Make sure that the last test was recent, at least within the past 2 years.
  • Make sure that the seller has performed the test in the lowest, livable level of the house. This usually means the basement, but if the home has no basement, test in the lowest level of the house.
  • Ask that the home be tested again if any changes have been made to the home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system since the last test was done.
  • Should you decide to renovate an unfinished part of the home, test for radon before work begins. It is much easier to install a radon system in an unfinished room. If your test results are close to the EPA action level (4.0 pCi/l), test the space again after work is completed.

When renovating an unfinished part of a home or building a new home, look to minimize radon presence.To Minimize Radon When Building a New Home:

  • The integrity of the slab should be maintained at all times.
  • Sump pits need to be installed with a sealed cover.
  • Use a gas tight radon drain for all floor drains.
  • When framing, run a radon vent pipe from the basement to the high part of the attic. This pipe should not be to close to the attic eaves, so that a radon fan can be easily added at a later date if needed.
  • If a sump pump is not required for the basement or if the construction is slab on grade, have drain tile looped around the perimeter of the inside of the foundation and have it terminate with a 3 inch PVC “rough in.” A 3″ PVC vent pipe is sufficient for spaces that are less than 2,000 square feet. Use a 4″ PVC “rough in” and a 4″ PVC vent pipe for spaces larger than 2,000 square feet.

How to Measure RadonHomeowners can test for radon themselves. Order a radon test kit and when finished, make sure to return the radon test to the laboratory with all the required information filled out. Be sure to follow the test kit instructions to the letter. One of the most common mistakes is over or under exposing the devices. A radon test result of 4 picocuries (a picocurie is one trillionth of a curie and measures radioactivity) per liter or higher is considered to be a high radon level. The average radon level in homes is 1.3pCi/L and .4pCi/L outdoors. The 1.3 pCi/l national average includes homes in many regions that do not have radon issues. Keep in mind that the 4.0 pCi/l standard was established as a matter of practicality, not safety. EPA officials at the time were unsure whether the technology and methods employed in 1984 were capable of reducing radon levels further. Recent studies show a significant risk of lung cancer when exposed at levels between 2 and 4 pCi/l. EPA recommends reducing radon levels to below 2pCi/l if possible.

If your home does have Radon

Costs to hire a radon removal professional to lower radon levels average about $800 to $1,200. Homes with crawl spaces or without gravel under the slab cost more. Many radon removal configurations exist and include sub slab depressurization (SSD), SSD with a crawl space, and air exchangers. The work required for a successful radon mitigation are beyond the skills of most untrained homeowners.

What to Consider When Hiring a Radon Abatement or Mitigation Firm

  • Ask to see proof of their certifications from National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and/or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
  • Contractors must also be licensed as home-improvement contactors in each state they wish to work. The District of Columbia is an exception in the case of radon work.
  • Make sure the contractor is fully insured.
  • Have them describe all of the work they will be doing.
  • Sign a contract and see that it includes all promises that were made verbally.
  • Don’t pay for work until it is complete. Down payments are rarely required.
  • Ask for at least a 20-year transferable warranty.

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Home Inspection Tips – Radon Testing For Sellers and Buyers

February 16th, 2011

A home inspection is important whether you’re buying or selling a home. Where does radon testing fit into the picture?

Let’s look first at considerations from a home seller’s perspective. If your inspector or another qualified professional has already tested your home for radon, the buyer wants assurance the testing was done correctly. She may ask that testing be redone if certain conditions aren’t met.

Did testing comply with the EPA radon checklist or your state’s protocol? Was testing done within the past two years? Have you made any renovations on your home since testing was done? Does your prospective buyer want to live in a basement or level lower than where testing was done?

She may also ask for a new test if your state or local government requires the disclosure of radon information to buyers and that disclosure hasn’t been made.

If you haven’t yet had your home tested for radon, have it done as soon as possible. Test in the lowest level of the home that can be regularly occupied. Test in an area such as a basement or playroom area if that area could be used by your buyer.

If you do the radon test yourself, carefully follow the testing protocol for your area or EPA’s Radon Testing Checklist. If you hire a contractor to test your home, you’ll protect yourself by hiring a qualified individual or company.

How do you find a qualified professional to do the testing? Ask your home inspector. Also, your state should have an office that deals with radon issues. They may be able to provide you with a list of testers in your area. Many states require radon professionals to be licensed, certified, or registered.

If your state doesn’t regulate radon related services, ask your home inspector or a reliable contractor if he holds a license, or a proficiency or certification credential. Has he completed training in measuring radon and properly dealing with radon issues? You may also want to contact the American Society of Home Inspectors, the National Association of Home Inspectors, or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

Let’s look at the other side of the coin. What if you’re buying a home? The EPA says if you are thinking of buying a home, you can choose to accept an earlier test result from the seller. Or you can ask the seller for a new test to be done by a qualified radon tester.

Before you accept the seller’s test results, ask a few questions. What did previous tests show? Who did the actual testing? Where in the home was the previous testing done? Was it in the level in which you plan to live? Have any changes been made to the home since it was tested? For example, have there been any alterations to the heating and cooling systems?

If you accept the seller’s test results, be sure the test complied with the EPA checklist or relevant state protocols. If you think a new test is needed, discuss it with the seller as soon as possible. If you decide to use a qualified radon tester to have it retested yourself, contact your state radon office for a copy of their approved list of radon testing individuals and companies.

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Top Five Health Concerns For Men

February 16th, 2011

Men die at a faster rate when compared to women, even though both may be suffering from the same ailments. Men also die at a younger age than women. There is no conclusive reason why this disparity exists among the sexes-although some believe that men simply less adept at taking care of themselves whereas women are generally known to be better nurturers of health.

So what’s ailing men? Which health aspects should men focus on for better, healthier and longer living? According to statistics, the top four killers related to men’s health are heart ailments, suicide, prostate ailments, and respiratory ailments.

The Heart
According to Men’s Health Network, an informational and educational organization based in Washington D.C, almost twice as many men die of heart ailments than women. This is the number one killer, according to Center for Disease Control. Factors that are more likely to lead to heart ailments include aging, family history of heart ailments, smoking, sedentary lifestyles, being overweight/obese, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and being male.

What can you do?
Maintain a heart healthy diet and an optimal weight. Avoid bad habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Exercise regularly and practice stress management.

Suicide
Statistics show that men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. Experts believe that this may be related to a tendency in men to bottle up or hide their feelings making it difficult for men to seek help. More than 6 million men, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, suffer from depression each year. However, depression in men may exhibit itself in different ways like anger, aggression, work burnout, substance abuse.

What can you do?
Seek ways to communicate. Talk to a professional counselor. Always seek emergency medical help before attempting to do anything harmful to yourself.

Respiratory Ailments
Smoking and the use of tobacco products are top killers for both sexes. Other factors that affect respiratory health include second hand smoke inhalation, exposure to asbestos and radon, air pollution and personal history.

What can you do?
Quit smoking. As soon as you do, your chances for contracting a respiratory ailment diminish drastically, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Fluctuations in Glycemic Levels
More people are suffering from high or low blood sugar levels these days. This may be related to stress, poor diet, hereditary factors and/or lack of exercise. The numbers keep growing.

What can you do?
Maintain a low-fat, low-calorie diet and an optimal weight. Exercise regularly and practice stress management.

Prostate Ailments (An Aging Prostate)
Prostate ailments usually begin with advancing age. The growth of the prostate gland is a natural process of aging. By the time men reach their 40s, the size of the prostate gland can affect urinary functions and flow. It is for this reason that the American Cancer Society recommends annual prostate health screenings for men over 50.

Prostate health is high on the priority list of men’s health care needs. Because men tend to neglect this very important aspect of health, the statistics continue to rise. We need more awareness and education in adopting proactive measures to support prostate health.

What can you do?
Nutritional supplements have made a breakthrough in prostate health care by providing prostate nutrients that proactively promote prostate health. It is recommended that men approaching their 40s take beta sitosterol, a phyto-nutrient found in plants. Beta sitosterol has been well-researched for its role in promoting healthy urinary flow and functions. It also acts as an anti-aging agent delaying and at times, even inhibiting the affects of an aging prostate. In addition to beta sitosterol, a combination of minerals and Vitamin D is essential and known to specifically target the maintenance of prostate health.

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