Health checks for him

Give men some encouragement to take care of themselves

Typically, men are less likely than women to go to a doctor, so you might need to push your other half into spotting symptoms…

EXPANDING WAISTLINE

Men and women over 40 are more at risk of high blood pressure, weight gain and high cholesterol. Heart disease is more common in men, especially those who smoke, don’t exercise or have a family history of it. Check his waist. It should be less than 94cm (37in) – otherwise he needs to hit the gym!

LACK OF HUNGER

Loss of appetite is always significant and can signal mental or physical health issues, says Dr Tim Senior. “Cancer is one worry, but diabetes or an overactive thyroid can also cause weight loss. Depression and anxiety often lead to a loss of appetite, too,” he says. With the list of potential causes long, Tim recommends a confidential chat with a GP as soon as possible.

NIGHT-TIME TOILET TRIPS

Are you being disturbed at night because your partner keeps getting up to visit the loo? Tim says this can be a sign of diabetes or enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). “In diabetes, sugar in the urine makes the kidneys produce a lot more urine,” he says. “BPH on the other hand blocks the tube from the bladder to the outside world, meaning it doesn’t empty properly.” While Tim says that BPH is common in men, he recommends a full exam by a GP is best and a blood test to look at kidney function.

LOWER LIBIDO

Relationships have their ups and downs when it comes to intimacy, but when sex falls off the radar completely, it can be a cause for concern. A man’s libido, or lack thereof, can occur as a side effect of depression, medication, type 2 diabetes, or changes in his testosterone levels with age. This problem in particular can easily be discussed with his GP to explore the root of the issue.