7questions every man needs to ask himself
MEN DIE, ON AVERAGE, SIX YEARS EARLIER THAN WOMEN. ABI JACKSON CONSIDERS SOME OF THE POSSIBLE REASONS
DO I REALLY KNOW HOW MUCH I’M DRINKING?
THE guidelines advise adults consume 14 units of alcohol per week, maximum. Considering the average pint is 2-3 units, this might not sound like much – but these limits aren’t just there to spoil our fun.
“The guidelines are quite strict, but they are based on the findings of hundreds of carefully conducted studies,” says Paul Wallace, chief medical adviser to advice service Drinkaware.
“If you want to stay fit and well and feel healthy too, then sticking to them is important. The only way to do that is to know your units and to keep a careful eye on your drinking.
“Most people know about the links between alcohol and liver disease, but did you know it’s also a powerful risk factor for high blood pressure, stroke, and various cancers? And contrary to what most people think, alcohol is not a stimulant – it’s a depressant.” Unsure about units? Visit drinkaware.co.uk
AM I CLUED UP ENOUGH ABOUT TYPE 2 DIABETES?
ALMOST 3.5 million people in the UK are diagnosed with diabetes, and 90% have Type 2, which is heavily associated with lifestyle factors.
“Men are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, but we don’t know why,” says Libby Dowling, Diabetes UK senior clinical adviser.
“You’re more at risk if you’re white and over 40, or over 25 if you’re African-Caribbean, Black African or South Asian. Plus, if you have a waist measuring 37 inches or more, or 35 inches for men of South Asian origin.
“Erectile dysfunction is known to be a complication of diabetes. Other symptoms include increased thirst, tiredness and needing to pass water frequently.
“Type 2 diabetes can lead to blindness, amputations and stroke. To reduce your risk, maintaining a healthy weight’s important.” To check your risk score, visit riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME I CHECKED MY MOLES?
MELANOMA, the most serious form of skin cancer, is on the rise in the UK, especially among men.
Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesman, says: “This is probably because men are less likely to apply sunscreen both at home and abroad. Women are more likely to have SPF in their skincare products and as part of their beauty routine.
“Furthermore, men are likely to leave it longer than women before visiting the doctor about a change to a mole or patch of skin.
“This delay can sometimes be the difference between curable and fatal skin cancer. Men of all ages should check their skin once a month and report any changes to their GP or dermatologist. It’s important to look closely at the entire body.”
For more info about skin cancer and how to check moles, see britishskinfoundation.org.uk/ SkinInformation/SkinCancer.aspx
AM I FOOLING MYSELF THAT IT’S OK TO SMOKE IF I’M INTO FITNESS?
YOU hit the gym a few times a week and can outrun lots of your mates – so what harm can a few cigarettes do, right? But you are taking a big risk, says Sophia Lowes, Cancer Research UK’s health information officer.
“Every cigarette you smoke causes damage to your body. Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of cancer, so an extra gym session isn’t going to compensate for that,” she stresses.
“There is no good evidence to say that exercise and a healthy diet can offset the cancer risk from smoking. The best thing you can do for your health is to stop completely.” For tips and support to help quit, visit nhs.uk/smokefree
AM I ‘SKINNY FAT’?
YOU’VE always been slim and can eat anything without gaining weight – so what does it matter if you live on a diet of fast food and energy drinks? Wrong. A poor diet can contribute to things such as high cholesterol and internal fat around the organs.
“Thin men can be at risk of heart disease, too,” says Rob Hobson, a leading registered nutritionist and head of nutrition at Healthspan.
“Anyone can develop high blood pressure, which puts you at greater risk of having a stroke, and high amounts of salt in your diet is a risk factor.” For more info about nutrition, visit healthspan.co.uk
WHY HAS MY SEX DRIVE CHANGED?
WHEN it comes to sex drive, there is no ‘normal’ and it changes through your life, says GP Dr Carey Wolfe.
But being aware of what’s normal for you is what’s important, as sometimes changes in your libido, or ability to get or maintain an erection, could be a sign that something is going on physically or psychologically – or most commonly, an element of both, says Dr Wolfe.
“Physical reasons could be a chronic disease, depression, erectile problems, foreskin issues, testosterone falling with age or obesity, the effect of recreational or prescribed drugs or alcohol, or general tiredness – perhaps you’re going through a very busy time,” he explains.
“Psychological effects may be from stress, anxiety, relationship problems, emotional upsets, or secondary to any of the physical issues mentioned.
“Fortunately, there is a lot of help available through your GP.”
For advice and tips on managing stress, see menshealth forum.org.uk/what-beatstressuk
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT MY BEER BELLY?
LOTS of men develop a bit of a beer belly as they get older, and it can be a bigger health indicator than your weight overall. Also, your belly measurement isn’t the same as your jeans waist size – most men wear their jeans below their actual bellies!
“Studies have found that carrying excess fat around the middle may be more harmful than carrying it in other areas,” says Dr Sara Kayat, a GP with medical helpline drmortons. co.uk.
“An increased waist circumference has been linked to long-term health conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer. If you do have a raised waist to hip ratio, improve your diet and lifestyle.”
Want to get going with those fitness goals? Try the NHS Choices Couch to 5k training tool nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Couch-to5K-running-plan.aspx