While it’s important that all of us go for regular check-ups and make good nutritional and lifestyle choices, multiple studies have shown that men on average are 50% less likely to get medical advice and treatment than women. Dr Adrian Rotunno, Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Physician and Virgin Active’s expert on physical fitness discusses how diet, exercise and a mind shift to ‘prevention instead of cure’ can significantly impact the health outcomes of South African men.
In South Africa more than 700 people die every day of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), a figure predicted to increase over the next decade. NCDs include hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes mellitus (high blood glucose), hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol), and obesity with resultant health complications. Otherwise known as lifestyle diseases, they are often the result of modifiable behaviours such as smoking, heavy drinking, unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and poorly managed levels of stress. In a mad rush world, we also can’t exclude mental health as part of this alarming cohort. And so, with at least a quarter of South Africans over the age of 50 projected to suffer from one or more NCDs by 2040, it’s clear we’re facing a long battle against the now long established pandemic of lifestyle diseases.
These statistics are cause for concern, but for men there is a another crisis hiding in plain sight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men of all backgrounds are more than 37% less likely than women to get regular medical check-ups and follow up with their health care providers. This results in illnesses often being missed, or diagnosed at later stages, leading to poor outcomes. According to recent 2021 CDC data on longevity, the life expectancy for men was 5.9 years lower than that of women — the largest longevity gap in 25 years.
In terms of mental health, SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) recently reported that South African men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) suicide report stated that of the 13 774 suicides reported in South Africa for that year, men accounted for 10 861 of the deaths compared to 2 913 women.
Why are men suffering in silence?
There are several reasons why men tend to get their health checked less frequently than women. In the case of healthy men, they may not feel the need or realise the importance of regular health checks. For others, societal norms can play a significant role, with traditional masculine stereotypes emphasising self-reliance, strength, and invulnerability. And so, men may be conditioned to downplay their health concerns and avoid a visit to their doctor unless absolutely necessary, as it may be seen as a sign of weakness.
Men often prioritise work and other responsibilities over their wellbeing too. The demanding nature of many jobs and other work pressures can lead men to neglect their health. Taking time off for health checks, even in the case of visible symptoms, for instance, may be seen as an inconvenience or simply just not be possible due to socio-economic circumstances. This leaves many men opting for a ‘wait and see if it gets better on its own’ approach.
Mental wellness checks in particular are also often ignored. This could be for a variety of reasons including social stigma surrounding mental health, reluctance to talk about problems and vulnerability, embarrassment and even shame.
Men’s health checklist
June is Men’s Health Month, the purpose of which is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. It’s also an opportunity to highlight the role of nutrition and exercise as a potent preventive measure against lifestyle diseases and mental wellbeing challenges.
The old saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ has never rung more true when it comes to men’s health. Men of every age group need routine check-ups that can help detect conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers in their early stages. Some diseases can even be detected before actual symptoms are displayed which significantly increase the chance of successful treatment. For example, heart disease is the number one killer of men and unfortunately affects those in their 40s and younger. The good news is that it can be prevented by screening tests based on age and family history.
In terms of lifestyle, men who smoke, don’t exercise, have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, or high blood sugar levels are all at a much higher risk and should never ignore or skip their health checks.
Exercise and nutrition have the potential to serve as powerful forms of medicine in the fight against lifestyle diseases and mental challenges. Regular physical activity, combined with a balanced and nutritious diet, can help reduce the need for medication, improve quality of life, lower stress and increase life expectancy. Consistent exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular health, enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces the risk of chronic conditions, and increases happiness.
Exercise not only prevents diseases but also serves as a therapeutic tool for those already affected. Studies have shown that exercise can help manage conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, as it is proven to lower blood sugar and blood pressure, and reduces the risk of complications associated with these diseases.
However, exercise alone is not enough. Diet and insight in to nutrition play a pivotal role in preventing and managing a wide variety of conditions. In South Africa where our diet is often high in protein, unhealthy fats, sugars, and processed foods, it’s critical to know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers to avoid diabetes, heart disease and obesity . The importance of a balanced diet, focusing on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats simply cannot be emphasised enough.
We have an entire month that reminds us that in order to take care of the ones we love, we need to first take care of ourselves. Gone are the days of ignoring symptoms and ‘toughing it out’. Real men make their health a priority. First and foremost – make that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off. It’s the optimal first step on a health and wellness path that could add years to your journey.
