General Health Challenges In Men and Women at 40’s and the Control Measures Needed

 

By:

 

Dr. Okebugwu Dan Nwankwo (MBBS, MSc).

 

Introduction:

You must have heard the phrase “Life begins at 40”, so do your health problems. After you reach 40, it becomes more likely that the normal ageing process will introduce new and perhaps surprising health concerns that are relatively common for people in otherwise good health. As one ages, hectic schedules, uneven healthcare behaviours and unhealthy habit might lead to prevalent health issues. By understanding the most common health problems at every state of life (infancy = 0 – 1 year; Early childhood = 1 – 5 years; school age = 6 12 years; Adolescence = 13 – 18; years young adult = 19 – 40 years; middle age = 41 – 60 years; older Adults = 61 + years) one can be proactive in preventing them and help oneself grow healthy.  

 

Common Health Challenges after 40 Years

Here are a few common health problems you should watch out for if you are in your 40s:

 

Aches and Pains:

Chronic knee pain due to arthritis, back pain and spondylitis arising from poor posture can make working for long hours difficult.

 

Solution = These problems are manageable if you exercise 

regularly and maintain a healthy and wholesome diet.

 

Stress:

The burden of managing your finances and caring for your family may cause you to be overwhelmed, stressing over little things will only add to your woe.

 

Solution = Try accommodate moderate physical exercise such

as cycling, running or swimming into your daily routine as well as maintaining good sleep – wake pattern and medicine. These help you keep your body and mind fit.

 

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:

People in the age group 45 – 65 are at a greater risk of developing Type-2- Diabetes owing to obesity, stress and unhealthy food habits widely prevalent among today’s population.

 

Solution = Maintaining an active lifestyle, eating a healthy diet 

and getting your blood sugar levels tested regularly (at least 3 years after age 45) to find out if you are at risk.

 

Hypertension and Cholesterol:

These are two of the most common silent diseases among today’s population. If not managed at this age, these heart – health indicators may slowly present a cumulative risk of developing into other serious problems such as heart attack and stroke.

 

Solution = Regular heart check-ups can help monitor and 

diagnose any complications especially if you have a family history of coronary heart disease or stroke. It is commonly recommended to undergo cholesterol testing every 5 years after the age 40.  

 

Osteoporosis:

Bone density has been shown to gradually decrease in the 40s, causing loss of bone strength and putting individuals at risk of developing osteoporosis (Bone resorption). This condition is more common among menopausal women while calcium and Vit D deficiencies can put men at risk too.

 

Solution = At least daily half-an-hour exposure to sunlight.

 

Breast Cancer:

Women over 40 years are nearly 1.9 times more vulnerable to breast cancer 

compared to younger women. Factors like diet, health, and environment play a role but age is a big factor.

 

Solution = Self-breast examination and early presentation to 

the hospital.

 

Prostrate Issues:

Risk of Benign Prostrate Hyperplasia (BPH) and prostrate cancer increase after the age 40.

 

Solution = Routine PSA check from 40 years and early 

presentation.

 

Conclusion:

Growing healthy is very possible when these common health challenges are identified and addressed early. Many common problems can be treated successfully to ensure your continued comfort and happiness. However, it is important to remember that unique genetics, family history, and lifestyle factors will play a role in your wellbeing.

 

 

Bibliographies

 

1. Lecture to the Ukwa Diocesan CMF in September 2024

Dr. Okebugwu Dan Nwankwo.

 

2. Journal of Religion and Health Vol. 4 No. 1 (1964).

 

3. The Pastor and His or Her Health – Pastor Owen Jack

 

4. HEALTH and WEALTH; Prioritizing the Indispensable (2024) – Dr. Okebugwu Dan Nwankwo.

 

 

July, 2025