Men’s health

Men’s health has previously taken more of a back seat in discussions, but society as a whole now understands the need to continue to shine a light on the unique challenges that men can face to help improve men’s health overall.

Today, we explore the top 5 health issues and concerns for men and provide some insights on early identification of symptoms and practical tips for prevention.  

Heart disease:  

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and is predicted to remain so into 2024.

Lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and smoking are major contributors to cardiovascular disease.  

Identifying potential issues early is key to prevention. Regular check-ups with your doctor, monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and maintaining a healthy heart are essential.

By incorporating exercise, a balanced diet and stress management techniques you can significantly reduce the risk of heart-related problems.  

Cancer:  

Prostate issues and prostate cancer affect a significant number of men, especially as they age.

Symptoms, unfortunately, do not usually occur until the prostrate is large enough to affect the urethra, which leads to increased need to urinate, straining or feeling of bladder not being completely emptied.  

Regular prostate screenings, can detect potential problems early. There is no single test for prostate cancer but the most common screenings currently are PSA testing via blood test, physical examination from your doctor, MRI scan or a biopsy.  

If you are over the age of 50 (or 40+ with a relative who has a history of prostate cancer) speak to your doctor about the best screening for you and get an appointment booked.  

Mental Health:  

Mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being. Men, in particular, have historically faced societal pressures that has made open discussions about mental health more limited.

Although we are seeing a shift, there is still a long way to go to support men. Identifying the everyday causes for the individual and signs of stress, anxiety or depression is crucial.  

Movember is the leading global charity supporting Men’s Health. It provides a hub for resources and support for men and ways to get involved in your local community.

Check out their website, or speak with your local HR team about the resources available for you to access.  

https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/get-support

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Type 2 Diabetes:  

Obesity, poor nutrition and continued inactivity are fuelling increasing rates of type 2 diabetes on a global scale.

Early symptoms can include increased need to urinate, increase thirst, feeling more tired than usual, losing weight unexpectedly, genital itching, blurred eyesight.

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and adopting a balanced diet can play a significant role in preventing diabetes. Regular exercise is also essential for weight management and overall health.  

Liver disease:  

Liver disease and cirrhosis can be caused by a variety of factors but excessive alcohol consumption is thought to be a major contributor. An increase of alcohol or alcohol dependency sees cirrhosis rates increase in middle-aged men.

Early symptoms include feeling more tired than usual, loss of appetite, loss of weight, feeling sick or vomiting, tenderness in liver area, spider-like blood capillaries above waist level on skin, blotchy red palms, disturbed sleep.  

Regular screenings with your doctor means they can provide blood tests, imaging or biopsy to identify any concerns. Reducing alcohol intake is important to reduce your risk overall.

Men’s health requires our continued attention, awareness and proactive measures. Regular health check-ups, a balanced lifestyle, and open communication about physical and mental well-being are crucial steps to help maintain optimal health.

By identifying these common health issues early on, preventative measures can definitely be taken.

Prioritising your health should be considered an investment towards your happy and fulfilling future. Make sure you keep paying into that investment. Every small action helps.