Last week was #menshealthweek – we hope you enjoyed our blog and activities, amd now better understand how important it is that we keep focusing on Men’s health problems – to raise awareness, especially in the workplace. We feel it is super important to highlight that it is NOT just one week of the year. We all need to talk and encourage action! Let’s keep the topic on the agenda, and in our conversations!
Symptoms are very often ignored in the hope they will go away, or excuses made for not seeking help. Such ostriching can lead to diseases going untreated and simple preventable problems becoming serious.
Below are a few of the more common issues faced by men… according to Nick, our Men’s Health Expert.
Alcohol
Men tend to drink more than women and are twice as likely to binge. Prolonged high alcohol intake can result in high blood pressure, heart disease, cancers and mental health issues.
If you are consuming more than the recommended amount and find it difficult to reduce then seek help sooner rather than later. Alcohol Unit Calculator
Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes can creep up on us gradually. A family history, being overweight, poor exercise and alcohol consumption are some of the causal factors. Symptoms to look out for include numbness of the extremities, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, blurred vision, dry or itchy skin, fatigue, infections, poor healing and erection problems.
It is important to check your blood sugar occasionally and to seek medical advice if you develop any of the above.
Scrotum and testicles
There are many causes for lumps or bumps in this area. But what is normal? The best way to detect change is to regularly examine one’s scrotum. This is best done when warm and relaxed, for example in the bath. Any changes should prompt you to seek clarification.
Things to look out for are new lumps, sudden pain (seek urgent help), dull ache, redness or heat in scrotum, painful or swollen testicle, nausea, temperature or blood/pus in the urine.
Penis
As with the scrotum, it’s worth keeping an eye on your penis for changes. Any pain, lumps, discolouration, discharge or new bending are reasons to seek help.
Erectile dysfunction
This is the inability to gain or maintain an erection. It can be the cause of huge stress and embarrassment. Its causes are usually simple and reversible such as stress, alcohol and tiredness. However, there may be medical causes. So, if it persists, please consult your GP.
Prostate & Bowels
As men age, so do their prostates. It can enlarge or become diseased. Most are benign, but it is important to seek help if you experience any of the following: poor flow, difficulty in starting/stopping, waking up more than once in the night to pee, dribbling or incomplete emptying.
Do NOT ignore changes in your bowel motions, either loose or otherwise. If this happens and/or you see blood or mucous then see your GP. Bowel cancers are treatable if diagnosed early.
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
Persistently raised blood pressure and/or cholesterol can lead SILENTLY to heart disease and stroke. It is critical to have regular checks and seek help if concern is raised. Our online and onsite health checks are a sure-fire way to make sure you keep on top of these key health numbers!
Snoring
Many men (and women) suffer from snoring. Its causes are mainly reversible such as: obesity, high alcohol intake, smoking and eating late. If these fail to help, then there are many other treatment options available either through your dentist or GP.
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Men’s Health …. prevention is better than cure!
It is all about prevention and living a long and healthy life! Start by looking at your lifestyle, and book a Tonic health check & lifestyle assessment for your employees. It is time to get your head out of the sand. It is time to find out… How healthy you are? How balanced is your lifestyle?
“One man in five dies before he’s 65. It’s not just men in mid-life either it’s young men too. And the causes are not just physical, they can also be in our head. Problems, risks, issues – call them what you like but please DON’T ignore them! They may, or may not, go away but if treated early lives will be saved“
If you would like to know more about our dedicated Men’s Health Matters workshop please email us.
