At the beginning of a new year many individuals make resolutions and many resolutions are related to their health. Sadly, many men fail to make resolutions related to their health. In fact, many men fail to take their health seriously until it is too late.
Men and preventative health care
Many men need to stop viewing taking care of their health as something that is not masculine. Many men in Anguilla tend to place more value on material things than their health. Men of all ages and socio-economic groups ensure that their cars are serviced regularly, even when their vehicle has no problem, yet they fail to have this same amount of interest in their own bodies. Many diseases are preventable especially those related to lifestyle disorders. Many diseases if discovered at an early stage can be better managed.
Many men fail to have regular doctor’s visits in the absence of illness. An annual wellness doctor’s visit can prove very beneficial. This medical physical check-up can go a long way in improving a man’s health. Usually at such a visit many screening tests can be arranged. For instance, just checking your blood pressure can result in significant health benefits.
Men and screening tests
There are a number of screening tests that men should have. Many of them are age related. Therefore. it is important that you visit your doctor so he or she can decide with you when and which test to have. There are a variety of tests that should be done, such as knowing your cholesterol levels and sugar levels.
Men and prostate tests
Many men dread discussing with their doctor anything related to their prostate.
Many men are afraid to have a digital rectal examination for prostate cancer. some men find the digital examination invasive. Some men also refuse to have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test which was the normal test physicians would use along with the digital test for prostate cancer. The PSA test, however, is under debate by many medical professionals as the results from the test are not always correct since there are many factors that could give a false positive. As a result, most physicians have a discussion with men and explain about the test’s pros and cons and allow them to make a decision as to whether they want to do it or not.
Men and sexually transmitted infections
Sexually active men (especially young men) should visit their doctor at least annually, and during this visit a discussion on safe sex practices should be done. The various sexually transmitted diseases tests should be discussed. The need to recognize symptoms of some common sexually transmitted diseases should be part of the annual doctor’s visit.
Men should be more proactive regarding their health
Many men in Anguilla need to be more proactive regarding their health rather than been reactive. Many diseases can be prevented if various signs and symptoms are recognized at an early stage. Do not wait until you are on death’s bed to see your doctor. Diseases related to your eyes, joints, and age-related illnesses should all be discussed during the annual doctor’s check-up. The start of the year is a good time to have this check-up, but this visit can be done at any time of the year.
Conclusion
Men are encouraged to be more proactive in matters related to their health. They need to take control of their health. Knowing what is going on in their body is of utmost importance not only for men, but their family’s sake. I want all men in Anguilla to be more involved in preventative health care issues and the only way to do that is through preventative measures like healthier eating habits, regular exercise and doctor visits. So, I encourage men to take charge of their health so that they can be around for their families in years to come.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5928).
