Men need to look after their health as much as women
MANy men the world over are reluctant to visit a doctor unless their health deteriorates to a point of serious illness. They seldom discuss their health or how they are feeling. They often ignore unusual symptoms.
yet men often engage in unhealthy behaviour, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, that puts their health at risk. If they ignore symptoms of possibly serious illness, waiting until the symptoms are severe, the illness could by then be more difficult to treat.
The month of November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, when attempts are made worldwide to draw attention to men’s health issues and encourage men to better look after their health. The two major specifically male illnesses are prostate cancer and testicular cancer, so it is to be expected that great emphasis is placed on them during this month.
In many countries mental health and suicide prevention are also focused on during this month, due to the high incidence of suicide among men in many places.
Efforts are also made to encourage men to adopt healthy lifestyles, particularly through regular exercise and a healthy diet, as well as turning away from cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Movember
Tomorrow (November 26) the Cimas health programme, iGo, is hosting its annual Movember Half-Marathon, to draw attention to men’s health issues and encourage healthier lifestyles, providing an opportunity for exercise through running the half-marathon.
In Harare the half-marathon will be run at First Capital Bank Sports Club, while in Bulawayo the venue is Hillside Dams. However, men in other cities, towns and villages, as well as others who are unable to participate at the Harare and Bulawayo venues, are being encouraged to participate virtually by going for a run wherever they may be after registering online.
Money raised from registration for the run, which is US$10 for the Harare and Bulawayo run and US$5 for virtual participation, will be donated to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe. Registration can be done online on the Vusa Sport website (www. vusasport.africa).
The term Movember was first adopted in Australia. It is made up of Mo, an Australian abbreviation for moustache, and November. During this month men were encouraged to grow a moustache to draw attention to men’s health.
In addition to the Movember Half-Marathon, Cimas has made available prostate cancer tests for Cimas Medical Aid members at all its clinics. Last week it broadcast a programme on prostate cancer.
Male cancers
Prostate cancer, like other cancers, has the best chance of being successfully treated if detected early, while still confined to the prostate gland. However, there may be no symptoms at this stage. Often it is only diagnosed if a man is tested for it.
Should a test prove positive, no action may necessarily be taken, if the cancer is confined to the prostate gland and does not appear to be growing aggressively. Health practitioners are likely to want to monitor it to ensure that it does not start to grow aggressively.
The main danger is if the cancer spreads outside the prostate gland. At that stage there may be symptoms. However, by that time it may be more difficult to treat the cancer.
It is worth talking to your doctor about prostate cancer if you are a man over 50 years of age, particularly if, even before that age, you notice changes in your urination habits, including having trouble urinating, experiencing pain when you urinate or noticing blood in your urine or if there is a history of prostate cancer in your family.
Testicular cancer is less common than most other cancers. It usually only occurs in one testicle. If you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if these last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor. Testicular cancer is treatable.
Good health
The month of November is devoted not only to encouraging men to see a doctor if they have any symptoms of illness and to increasing awareness of prostate and testicular cancer but to promoting good health.
Good health is not merely the absence of illness. It is a state of physical, mental and social well being.
The main way of promoting good health for both men and women is to make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and ensure you have plenty of exercise.
Limit the amount of processed food you eat, since packaged and processed foods are often full of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, artificial additives and calories.
Rather eat fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain products such as brown rice and whole grain breads, fibre rich foods such as beans and leafy greens, and lean cuts of meat and poultry.
Cut out smoking, drinking too much and engaging in casual sex. Smoking is a risk factor for a wide variety of diseases.
Be aware of your body. Get to know your testicles and what is normal for them. Regularly check them. Go to the doctor if something does not feel right.
Have routine yearly health check-ups and screenings. Looking and feeling healthy does not mean you are okay. your doctor can monitor your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol level. Many diseases and conditions do not have obvious symptoms but put you at risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Be active every day. Add more physical activity to your day. For instance, walk to meetings. Park further away from your destination and finish your journey on foot. Instead of using the lift, take the stairs.
Consider cycling to work instead of driving. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent it. It can also help improve and maintain your overall physical and mental health.Manage stress. Take time every day to do something you enjoy. Have plenty of rest each night. Spend time with people who make you feel good. Stay connected. Spend time with friends and catch up regularly. Talk more.
If you feel depressed or troubled, talk to someone about it, whether it be a member of your family, a doctor, your pastor or a counsellor.
Is someone you know is feeling depressed, listening to them may be more helpful than you realise.
The information in this article is provided as a public service by the cimas iGo wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. it is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. — igo@cimas.co.zw or whatsapp 0772 161 829 or phone 024-2773 0663