FOLLOWING on October’s breast cancer awareness month, the month of November has become a month dedicated to raising awareness of men’s health problems, particularly prostate and testicular cancer, but other health problems affecting men as well.
The Cimas iGo wellness programme is marking the month with half-marathons in Harare on November 17 and Bulawayo on November 24 under the theme Men’s Health Champions Build Healthier Communities.
It provides an opportunity for some good physical, exercise, which is so important for wellness, while drawing attention to the importance of men looking after their health and raising money for cancer research and education.
Often men neglect their health or fail to give it the importance they should. Their lifestyles are often inconsistent with good health, with many tending to smoke, which is a health risk for almost all non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, and drink alcohol excessively, which is also a risk factor for many illnesses.
Cancers
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, particularly men over the age of 50. As with other cancers, early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
However, as there are no symptoms in the early stages, it is often diagnosed late.
It has the best chance of being successfully treated if detected while still confined to the prostate gland. At this stage, if it is not growing quickly, treatment may not be needed.
However, the cancer should be monitored in case it starts to grow rapidly or is in danger of spreading outside the prostate.
It is dangerous if it spreads outside the prostate. Men die from advanced prostate cancer every year.
Should healthy men be tested for prostate cancer? Some experts suggest that men over the age of 50 should periodically be tested for prostate cancer. However, others disagree.
Testicular cancer, which is less common than most other cancers, can be treated. It usually only occurs in one testicle. If you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if these last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor.
An important part of staying well and in good health is the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
It was to promote a healthy lifestyle — a well-balanced healthy diet, plenty of exercise, sufficient sleep, learning to deal with stress, abstaining from harmful substances such as tobacco and excessive alcohol — that the Cimas iGo wellness programme was conceived.
It is better to promote good health than ignore steps that can be taken to preserve good health and be limited to treating preventable illnesses.
A healthy lifestyle is good for one’s physical and mental health. It reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases and mental illness. The iGo wellness team is able to offer advice to Cimas members on a healthy diet, exercise and other lifestyle issues.
The iGo programme has partnerships with some gyms and health spas that enable Cimas members to obtain discounts at these establishments.
It has partnerships with other entities to encourage healthy living, such as partnerships with some restaurants that offer discounts to Cimas members when they order healthy food.
It also promotes healthy living for both non-members and members by organising Zumba sessions at various venues, as well as by providing wellness tips on its social media pages.
A healthy lifestyle will not protect you from infectious diseases spread from one person to another, though sexually transmitted diseases are often transmitted as a result of a sexually promiscuous lifestyle.
This is an area where for many men, a change of lifestyle could make a difference to the risk of a sexually transmitted disease or of passing one on to someone else.
In many countries, raising awareness of health factors affecting men during the month of November includes raising awareness about the risks of mental illness and suicide among men. This is particularly so in countries where there is rising concern about male suicides.
Learning to deal with stress and having enough sleep can have a positive impact on mental health. So too can exercise.
At least 30 minutes’ exercise a day is recommended. Even a brisk 20 minute-walk a few times a week or regularly playing outside with your children can provide heart health and stress-relieving benefits.
Do not overwork. Give yourself time to take a break from work. Find ways to relax. Ensure you have enough sleep. Learn how to manage stressful situations.
Many men go through mental health issues that are never addressed. This may lead to them turning into alcoholics or drug addicts or even committing suicide.
If you feel you are going through something affecting your mental health, reach out and talk to a friend, your pastor or a professional counsellor.
Often talking to someone you trust can help you clarify your thoughts and find solutions to your difficulties.
Keep up with your usual daily or weekly routine or add new structure to your day. Sometimes if you feel stressed, taking a walk outside may help free your mind.
You can also make a motivational playlist of positive music on your phone that you can regularly listen to.
Volunteer work can be fulfilling. Doing things for others, whether friends or people in need, tends to take you out of yourself and enrich your life.
While a healthy lifestyle is important for wellness and minimising the risk of non-communicable illnesses, it is important if you feel something does not seem right about your health to see a doctor and have a check-up.
This may include checks for levels of cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure. This is important for women as well as men but many men are often more reluctant to go for such check-ups than women.
It is advisable to visit your doctor or clinic if you notice changes in your sleep or bathroom habits, cuts or sores that do not seem to heal, changes in moles, unexplained weight fluctuations or sexual dysfunction.
Many significant health issues begin as minor problems that could be prevented or better managed if detected early.
If there is a history of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes or other chronic health conditions in your family, this may increase the risk of you developing similar conditions.
Ask your doctor about cancer screenings that are available for men’s health. Based on your age, family history and lifestyle, your doctor may recommend that you undergo screening for colon cancer, prostate cancer or lung cancer.
