MEN’S HEALTH WEEK – SEVEN DAYS TO CONTEMPLATE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

Jun 25, 2024 - 20:20
MEN’S HEALTH WEEK – SEVEN DAYS TO CONTEMPLATE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

Men’s Health Week is celebrated across the world and coincides withFather’s Day, an occasion to acknowledge and appreciate the role of our fathers in our lives.

It is important that to be a healthy father, one must first be a healthy man, and Men’s Health Week urges all men to stop and reflect on how they are coping with stress, managing symptoms of underlying health problems, and planning for their health long term.

The aims of the week are to heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages, to support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices, and to encourage the early detection and treatment of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and depression.

Our menfolk look upon themselves as providers for their families. Investments and savings are a high priority. But making good investments materially is not enough. It’s time to make an investment in health, and cut back on stress.

Let us go back in time a little and remember all the outdoor activities that made boys grow into healthy men. Walking, cycling, playingoutdoor sports, and cutting down on screen time, have significant benefits. Say no to screens and yes to healthy shared outdoor activitieswith friends and family. This Men’s Health Week, plan to play games of cricket, football, or kabbadi with your neighbours, to raise awareness about the importance of fresh air and exercise.

Dr. Gowri Sankar Bapanapalli
Sr. Consultant Physician & Diabetes Care
MBBS MD(Gen Med), MRCP (UK), PGDD(Cardiff)

At every stage of life, men are encouraged to consider three equally important aspects of their health—physical health, mental health, and social connection. Men’s Health Week and Men’s Health Month raise awareness of how these aspects work together to promote all round wellbeing.

This Men’s Health Week, encourage all the men you know to take care of themselves by having regular health screenings.

Here is what our doctors recommend:

Recommended screenings for young men (18-39)

• Physical exam: check blood pressure, screen for obesity and assess body composition (waist circumference). Testicular exam and testicular self-exam are important at this age.
• Metabolic screening: fasting blood sugar and fasting lipid profile based on risk and family history.
• Consider Vaccines: influenza, COVID-19, Hepatitis A/B, HPV, Tdap and MMR should be considered.
• STI screening: HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia screening should be considered, and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PreP) should be discussed.
• Assessment of risky behaviors: discuss any use of tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs, anabolic steroids, as well as use of seatbelts, helmets, and gun safety.
• Family planning: “pre-conception” counseling to educate men that adopting a healthy lifestyle—exercising, eating healthy foods, and avoiding substances at an early age improves the chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child.

Recommended screenings for adult men over 40

These screenings are similar to those recommended for younger men,but start to look at health concerns that most often appear in middle age. 

• Physical exam: check blood pressure, screen for obesity, measure body composition and consider prostate exam (in some cases).
• Metabolic screening: fasting blood sugar and fasting lipid profile and estimation of cardiovascular risk.
• Consider Vaccines: influenza, covid-19, Hepatitis A/B, HPV (through age 45), Tdap and MMR. Shingles vaccine is recommended for adults over 50.
• STI screening: HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia screening should be considered, and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PreP) should be discussed. 
• Cardiovascular screening: based on risk and symptoms (may include stress testing or coronary artery calcium score).
• Cancer screening: based on family history and personal risks. May include prostate, colon, and lung cancer screening as well as skin exam.
• Eye exam.

Recommended screenings for adult men over 65

Older men should continue to evaluate their health and make lifestyle changes based on conversations with their doctors to ensure they are able to live life to the fullest.

• Physical exam: blood pressure, height and weight, waist circumference and prostate exam.
• Metabolic screening: fasting blood sugar, fasting lipid profile, thyroid function (in some cases).
• Consider Vaccines: influenza, covid-19, Hepatitis A/B, Tdap, Pneumovax/Prevnar and Shingles.
• STI screening: based on risk.
• Cardiovascular screening: abdominal ultrasound, coronary artery calcium score and stress testing based on risk and symptoms.
• Cancer screening: prostate, colon and lung as well as skin exam.
• Osteoporosis: screening should be considered in men over 70, men who lose height over time, or have a low impact fracture. Fall risk assessment should be completed.
• Eye exam.

At every stage of life, maintain sound mental health by fostering good social connections. This Men’s Health Week, let us work together to ensure the wellbeing of our menfolk.

FAV Disclaimer: Welthi.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here, and the results may vary from person to person.