The Top Seven Recurring Men’s Health Issues

When it comes to the differences between women’s and men’s health issues, men are more likely to smoke in excess, overuse alcohol, partake in riskier behaviour and make unhealthier lifestyle decisions than women. Although women would see their loved ones at the doctor’s before they would tend to their own medical issues, many men would prefer not to face the realities of the truth or not to know about potential health concerns.

Furthermore, cultural, traditional and religious beliefs, along with the stereotypes involving “being a man” and their “invincibility” are among the many reasons why some men tend to avoid visiting their doctors more than their female counterparts.

These reasons and many others have contributed to recurring men’s health issues in 2022. Intercare reflects on 2022 and would like to offer insight into some of the conditions regularly affecting men to inspire positive lifestyle adjustments in 2023.

Recurring Men’s Health Issues Observed in 2022

 

A basic exercise regime, responsible lifestyle, healthy diet and positive spirit will go a long way in preventing men’s health issues and offering a happier and longer life. Although not all of them are preventable, most are treatable, and we would like to encourage you to look beyond the common misconceptions and attend regular check-ups and screenings to encourage early detection and treatment.  

• Cardiovascular Diseases
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• Although 2022 saw a marked increase in heart-related diseases in women, men are still twice as likely to develop one of these conditions in their lifetime. This year, we saw the occurrence of several incidents in men such as strokes, cardiac arrests (or heart attacks) and developmental angina. Poor lifestyle and dietary decisions, irregular blood pressure and high cholesterol levels have been a few of the major contributors to these conditions.
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• Respiratory Disorders
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• There are three times more male smokers than females in South Africa today. Despite recent awareness campaigns, 40% of South Africans still light up. Statistically, this means that we have observed far more men developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, (COPD) lung cancer and other respiratory-related infections. Many of these conditions are preventable and curable with early detection. However, your health will improve drastically in 2023 when you commit to quitting the habit altogether.   
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• Kidney and Liver Diseases
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• Studies have shown that men will abuse alcohol, drink heavily or binge drink almost three times as much as women. Turning to alcohol for celebration, commiseration or anything in between has long been customary for many South Africans and has subsequently increased the risk of related afflictions. Last year, the habitual use of the liquid resulted in many men suffering from kidney and liver diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, kidney and renal failure and even cancer.     
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• Diabetes
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• These afflictions are caused when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, resulting in too much sugar content in the bloodstream. Symptoms include being thirstier than usual, frequent urination, unscheduled weight loss, constantly feeling weak or tired, blurred vision and more. Type 2 Diabetes has been more prevalent in men than women this year. However, if left untreated, both Types 1 and 2 may lead to heart disease, severe tooth decay and gum disease, nerve damage, eye and kidney damage, erectile dysfunction and much more.
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• Addictions
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• It is said that every man has an addiction, albeit work, sport, food, nicotine, caffeine or others. Some addictions, however, are more harmful than others. Drugs (illegal, prescription or over-the-counter) and alcohol are proving to be the most destructive. These affect some South African males without prejudice across all age groups, but addictions have significantly increased among the youth. Eighty per cent of male youth deaths were alcohol-related and drug consumption was reported to be twice the international norm.
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• If you or anyone you know may be struggling with an addiction of any form, know that it is treatable and curable. Reach out and ask for assistance from your nearest medical professional, health provider or relevant non-profit organisation.
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• Cancer
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• Many of the afflictions affecting men’s health that we have observed through 2022, including those mentioned above, could have been prevented through better lifestyle choices and more informed decision-making. In some instances, abuse, excess and hard recreation have led to conditions of cancer in varying forms. Although some variations of cancer are hereditary and passed on genetically, in many cases they are treatable and potentially preventable with a combination of exercise, a healthy diet and moderating, if not eliminating, bad habits.
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• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
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• Syphilis and gonorrhoea are still prevalent among South African men. However, they have very distinctive external signs, making them easily identifiable. HIV/AIDS, on the other hand, is difficult to self-diagnose without testing due to confusing symptoms. The urgency of the pandemic may have suppressed statistics to an extent, but due to various socio-economic and other reasons, more than 8.5 million individuals are living with the disease in 2022.
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• It is important from an educational perspective to be aware that HIV/AIDS is still a major concern in South Africa. Prevention of most STDs is abstinence, proper protection and other safe sex practices. Until there is full disclosure between partners and relevant testing, it is advised to always use a condom during intimate sexual contact.

These are just some of the recurring men’s health issues we have observed in 2022. Remember, regular check-ups with a medical professional or paying them a visit following an injury or when niggling irritations recur regularly is not a sign of weakness or a source of embarrassment. 

At Intercare Medical and Dental Centres, we care for the health and wellness of you and your family. We are a community of health professionals offering you medical and dental solutions all under one roof, conveniently located close to where you live.

Our professionals may agree that life will happen, victories will be celebrated, and losses will be commiserated. However, they might also agree that prevention is better than cure. Make 2023 the year that you commit to adopting a healthy lifestyle. Introduce yourself to your local Intercare Medical and Dental Centre and make the year a victory for you!

Disclaimer: This content including advice, opinions and statistics provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion and is for reading content only. Always consult your own general practitioner or an Intercare Medical and Dental Centre professional for more information and professional advice. Do not attempt self-diagnosis or self-medication based on this or any other literature before consulting with a medical professional. Intercare Medical and Dental Centres, partners, affiliates and/or media and marketing members whosoever do not take responsibility for any of the above information and/or use of it.

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