Men often prefer to tough things out rather than visit the doctor. But burying your head in the sand can lead to serious consequences. So to tie in with Men’s Health Month, we look at the main check-ups every man should be looking to get sorted sooner, rather than later.
It’s a fact that men are typically more reluctant to go to the doctor than women. Whether that’s because they fear the idea of being probed and what they might discover, or whether that masculine mindset of ‘toughing it out’ and ‘she’ll be right’ takes over, one thing is for sure – it’s putting their health at risk.
To be or not to be a man
New Zealand culture especially has a strong social subtext when it comes to masculinity. The unwritten rule is that men should be tough, brave, resilient and self-reliant. “Man-ing up” or “being a man about it” is something they learn from an early age, the inference being that if they don’t behave in the prescribed masculine way then somehow they will lose their respect and identity as a male.
In reality, of course, this is nonsense. Men are just as likely as women, if not more so in many cases, to be affected by common conditions such as heart disease (NZ’s #1 killer), hypertension, cancer, diabetes, and mental health problems like depression – not to mention those specific to men such as prostate or testicular cancer. And yet too many men are still reticent in addressing any issues that may arise by visiting their GP, or even talking about things with their mates or loved ones.
Check please!
The truth is that, just like women, men need regular check-ups to stay healthy and pick up any early warning signs of disease or illness. In fact, getting the right screening test at the right time is one of the most important things men can do, especially as they get older - and it can be a life saver. After all, the earlier something is discovered , the sooner it can be treated.
So to help out this Men’s Health Month, we’ve built a basic checklist for all you males out there to discuss with your GP or healthcare provider. When you do, be sure to share your medical and family history in case of any pointers. And try to be honest, not simply ‘tough things out’:
Annual wellness exam
Let’s start out with the basics. An annual health check with your GP is a great introduction to looking after yourself and staying on top of things. These visits focus mainly on preventative care, and can cover things like keeping your vaccinations up to date, basic touch checks for diseases or warning signs, and advice on how to make more informed decisions about your general health. You may have your height, weight and body mass index (BMI) checked too. Or if you have any specific worries you’ve been bottling up, it’s a good opportunity to have a chat and book in for a proper screening.
Blood glucose test
Diabetes is one of those diseases that can creep up on you, especially if you’re over 45 or have a history of high cholesterol or blood pressure (more of which later). Left unchecked, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease nerve damage or even blindness. All the more reason then to get yourself tested, if only to put your mind at rest. Doctors usually recommend a blood glucose screening every 3 years for healthy adults.
Heart health
Your chances of high blood pressure (hypertension) are very definitely linked to your weight lifestyle and age, although it is recommended you get your blood pressure checked once every 2 years after the age of 20. The normal level should be around 120/80. The good news is in most cases high blood pressure is a perfectly treatable condition, and changing your diet and exercise habits can help you avoid complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure later in life.
Too much LDL (bad) cholesterol in your blood can be a killer too, leading to a build-up of plaque in your artery walls and, if left unchecked, to heart disease or stroke. Again, a simple blood test from your doctor every 4 years will tell you whether you need to take any action.
Prostate and testicle health
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers for men, especially if you have a family history. It tends to be slow-growing, although some types can be more aggressive. If you’re over 40, best to talk to your doctor about your options – and whether you can be checked with a blood test, or a simple prostate exam.
Testicular cancer is much less common, and usually seen in men between the ages of 20-54. Like prostate cancer, it is perfectly treatable if discovered early, and much easier to check yourself at home. So make sure you examine yourself regularly for any lumps, bumps or changes in size or shape down there.
Colonoscopy
Cancer of the colon starts from the polyps everyone has on the inner surface of their colon. These can sometimes turn cancerous, and need to be removed. In general, it is recommended to have a screening or colonoscopy at 50 years old, and then once every 10 years.
Ears, eyes and teeth
Ever had trouble hearing the TV, or been in a busy room and found it difficult to follow a conversation? You might want to think about having a hearing test. If it does turn out you have hearing loss, don’t worry – hearing aids these days are fully digital and hardly noticeable – so there’s no great stigma attached. As for your eyes, this is probably much easier for you to gauge. Eye tests are recommended every 1-2 years for anyone over 40, and will test for everything from cataracts to glaucoma symptoms. While you’re at it, make sure to get your teeth checked out too. Dental exams and cleaning is recommended every 6 to 12 months, as any respectable dentist will tell you.
Skin health
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world, affecting around 35 to 40 per 100,000 Kiwis every year.1 Risks include sun exposure, tanning and sunburn. So make sure you check your skin regularly for any changes including the shape, colour or size of any marks or moles. Again, treatments can be much more effective if you catch it early.
This checklist is just a brief guideline for some of the main healthcare points to consider for men. Make sure you talk to a GP or health professional about your specific needs.
And remember, taking responsibility for your own health as a man may seem like a challenge at first. But once you ‘man up’ and do it, the preventative benefits can be lifesaving – not just for you, but for your family, friends and whānau too.
Source: Southern Cross
Reference:
Other reference:
https://www.gethealthystayhealthy.com/tools/mens-health-checklist
https://www.webmd.com/men/ss/slideshow-screening-tests-men
https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/healthy-living/m/mens-health/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/health-checks-for-men#bhc-content