Encouraging men to better health

The eight-point plan to improved wellbeing

Around the world women are outliving men by an average of seven years, a clear indication that men have their own unique healthcare issues that they need to consider and urgently address.

In view of this, the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) has compiled a special eight-point plan aimed at raising greater health awareness amongst men this Men's Health Month, which is commemorated every June.

Prostate cancer is one important male health issue that many men are aware of, but there are a number of others including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases (such as asthma and emphysema), mental health problems and accidents. Other forms of cancers such as lung, colorectal and skin cancers are also relatively common among men and are also important health concerns.

The good news is that men can go a long way in avoiding potential health problems if they pay greater attention to their wellbeing and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

1. Don't smoke: Many more South African men than women smoke. This is not a healthy habit as smoking has been shown to help cause a range of cancers and also heart disease.

Quitting smoking has numerous health benefits and should be done without delay. There is a range of products available to help you to give up smoking including nicotine patches and gum, which help reduce cravings. You can also ask your doctor about medications that are available to help reduce the desire to smoke.

2. Eat healthily and lose weight: An unhealthy diet and being overweight can increase the risks to our health and wellbeing. An unhealthy lifestyle and obesity can substantially increase our risk of developing conditions such as type II diabetes and heart disease, certain cancers and other diseases.

A healthy diet can help prevent you from developing these conditions and should be started as early in life as possible. Avoid too much red meat and pastries and rather eat vegetables, fruit, and high fibre and whole grain foods.

3. Get some exercise: Exercise has many benefits for your body. We should all engage in some or other form of exercise, be it sport or an enjoyable activity, such as walking, at least four or five times a week. Regular exercise is good for the heart and helps reduce high cholesterol levels. It has furthermore been shown to lift one's mood and have an anti-depressant effect.

4. Limit alcohol intake: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can potentially increase your blood pressure, increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer and can damage your liver over the long term.
Excessive alcohol consumption also tends to cause people to engage in high-risk behaviour such as fast driving and unprotected sex. Such activities place your and other people's health at risk. If you decide to drink do not overdo it and limit the amounts you have.

5. Manage stress: Ongoing stress can have an extremely negative impact on the body and cause your diet and other lifestyle habits to suffer. Take steps to manage your stress better. Learn some stress management strategies and get some exercise. Exercise is a good way to help your body to better deal with stress.

6. Have regular checkups: All men should have regular medical check-ups to ensure that they remain in good health. Men over the age of 40 should have an annual check-up. Health screening tests can provide with an early warning that we may be developing potentially dangerous medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, prostate cancer, or type II diabetes.

One of the most common cancers that occur in South African men is prostate cancer. This develops in a small gland, the prostate, which is part of the male reproductive system. This type of cancer occurs mostly, but not exclusively, in men over the age of 40.

Some men are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer than others. Risk factors include a family history of prostate cancer and older age. It is also thought that obesity, smoking and a poor diet may also increase the chances of developing prostate cancer in some men.

7. Manage chronic medical conditions: Men who have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol should make sure that they manage these conditions properly with the help of their doctor. Medical conditions such as diabetes can damage the organs of your body if they are not managed properly.

8. Take responsibility for your health: In many ways caring for your body is like caring for a motor vehicle. Service your car regularly, drive it carefully and look after it, and it will provide you with many years service. Similarly, if you look after yourself by having a sound diet and lifestyle, and undertake regular visits to your doctor, your body should stay healthy for many years to come.