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Top 6 Issues You Cannot ignore This Men’s Health Month

In conversation with Dr. Andrew Viljoen, The Weight Loss Centre

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November is Internationally recognised as a Men’s Health Month — a reminder for men to prioritise their well-being. Many men delay going to the doctor, often until its too late. Regular check-ups and knowing what to look out for can prevent most serious health problems.

Here are the most common health issues to which every man should pay attention:

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1. Heart disease

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men globally. Your heart works hard everyday, but poor lifestyle habits wear it down faster and increase the risks of developing heart problems. Obesity, too much salt, alcohol abuse, smoking, poor stress management, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise can all increase your risk of heart disease.

What to look out for:

Shortness of breath, recurrent chest pressure or pain, unexplained dizziness and constant tiredness are warning signs.

What you should do:

Simple tests like blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar tests can reveal early warning signs. A doctor may suggest a heart scan, ECG and coronary calcium scoring if needed.

2. Prostate and colon cancer

Both cancers become more common as men age, particularly after 50. However, doctors are starting to see younger men in their 40’s having these conditions. Genetics (or family history), diets high in red or processed meats, obesity, smoking, lack of fibre, and lack of exercise all increase overall risk of developing either cancer.

What to look out for:

Prostate cancer: Frequent urination, weak urine flow, and blood in urine or semen with ejaculation.

Colon cancer: Continuous change in bowel movement (meaning stool changes from diarrhoea to constipation to normal on a regular basis), blood in stool or on toilet paper, unexplained or unintentional weight loss, and persistent abdominal discomfort all signal to get a checkup.

What you should do:

Prostate cancer: A blood test (PSA) and a digital rectal exam can detect prostate problems.

Colon cancer: Stool test for blood in stool and/or a colonoscopy are used to screen for colon problems.

Whilst screenings for these cancers normally only start from age 45, if there is a family history, screenings should commence earlier.

3. Mental Health and Depression

Many men feel they need to “tough it out” to appear strong and unemotional, leading to suppressed stress, anxiety or depression. Work stress, financial concerns, relationship issues, trauma and chronic illness lead to serious mental health issues if ignored.

What to look out for:

Persistent tiredness, increased irritability and anger, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, poor sleep, and withdrawal from social contact.

What you should do:

Take that step to talk to someone, be it a doctor, therapist or trusted friend. Seeking support for mental health support is not a weakness, but a strength.

4. Diabetes and Metabolic syndrome

Unhealthy eating, lack of movement or activity, and weight gain can cause increased insulin resistance. This leads to increased risk for type 2 diabetes, heart and kidney disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and obesity.

What to look out for:

Frequent urination, always feeling thirsty, fatigue, blurring of vision, and slow wound healing are signs of diabetes.

What you should do:

Blood sugar and insulin blood tests. Regular exercise, decreasing sugar intake and losing weight will also improve blood sugar organically. 

5. Sexual Health and Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects more men than you think. It can also be early warning sign of vascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalance. Stress, depression and smoking are also major contributors to ED.

What to look out for:

Difficulty in getting and keeping an erection, or a drop in sexual desire.

What you should do:

See a doctor. This is not just important for your sex life, but because ED can be an early sign of blood flow problems and other health concerns.

6. Testicular Health

Testicular cancer mostly affects younger men in the 20’s to 40’s. The exact cause is unclear, however, an undescended testicle and family history increases the risk.

What to look out for:

A painless lump or swelling in one testicle, and heaviness or dull ache in lower abdomen.

What you should do:

Regular self examination. If you notice anything unusual, see a doctor.

A Final Word

Looking after your health isn’t about fear – it is about maintaining vitality, longevity and quality of life. Regular check ups, eating well, physical activity, stress management and honest conversation with a healthcare professional can make a difference. This November, take charge of your health, and encourage fathers, brothers, sons, and friends to do the same.

The Weight Loss Centre, Cape Town
www.weightlosscentre.co.za
@weightloss_centre
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