Key heath issues facing men

Wellbeing MAN STUFF

KEY HEALTH ISSUES FACING PNG MEN

BY BRONWEN GORA

Ask a group of men and another of women when they last saw a doctor and chances are answers between the two are likely to be different – men perhaps unable to remember and women often easily recalling their last consultation. Why? One reason supported by many studies is that ideas about masculine norms make them far less likely to seek medical treatment. Other reasons for men’s reluctance to seek medical advice include a greater propensity for risk-taking behaviours like smoking and drinking, according to a study from Harvard University in the US.

Some of the key health issues facing men are: HEART DISEASE Several factors contribute to this rising problem in PNG and number one risk for men. These include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chronic stress, smoking and drinking alcohol to excess. A poor diet high in processed foods and bad fats contributes enormously to high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, while chemicals in cigarettes damage coronary arteries, strain the heart by making it work faster and increase the risk of blood clots. SMOKING AND LUNG DISEASE PNG has one of the world’s highest rates of cigarette smoking. If you smoke, or are exposed to high levels of wood smoke or other air pollutants, be on the lookout for symptoms right from the start: significant lung damage has usually occurred by the time this insidious disease starts impairing a person’s lifestyle according to leading medical American institution the Mayo Clinic. Top symptoms are ongoing cough, increased mucus in the lungs as the body attempts to trap or block inhaled irritants, shortness of breath and fatigue. DIABETES High blood sugar levels caused by a bad diet can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. (Type 1 diabetes is an immune disease that mostly develops during childhood while type 2 is lifestyle related and common in those over 40 years of age.) Telltale signs of type 2 diabetes are an urge to urinate more than usual, especially at night, increased thirst, extreme hunger, fatigue and irritability. Top risk factors? Obesity, inactivity, high blood pressure and a diet high in processed foods. This is a condition you definitely want to avoid: diabetes can cause heart attack and damage nerves, kidneys, eyes and feet. The good news is it can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. PROSTATE CANCER Certain cancers are unique to men, and that includes prostate cancer. It is one of the most problematic and painful and in the five most common cancers worldwide, along with colon cancer, and affects sexual function and urine flow. Common symptoms are poor flow of urine, feelings of a blockage and frequent urination without much relief. Prostate cancer is most common in men over 50. Obesity is a leading cause of prostate cancer, which means a diet of fresh foods and exercise are among the best preventatives.

Ideas about masculinity are a big barrier to men’s health checks.

ORAL CANCER AND CHEWING BETEL NUT Oral cancer rates in PNG are among the world’s highest, and betel nut is a major contributor. Once a ceremonial tradition, chewing buai has become highly popular for its stimulant and euphoric effects. But it is downright dangerous: betel nuts contain the highly addictive and carcinogenic compound called arecoline, which means long-term use over several years creates risk of developing oral cancer, signalled by mouth lesions and ulcers. CHECKLIST FOR GOOD HEALTH

☛ Avoid tobacco, alcohol and betel nut, and minimise exposure to wood smoke and pollutants. ☛ Choose fresh vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, seeds and fish over processed foods. Limit intake of red meat and processed meats. If gaining weight, ask yourself why. ☛ Move! The World Health Organisation recommends adults do at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes of exercise over a week. ☛ Reduce stress by exercising, pursuing (healthy) activities you enjoy, getting enough sleep and maintaining good relationships with family and friends. ☛ Seek regular medical check-ups, at least once or twice a year. And if experiencing unusual aches and pains, book in with a doctor as soon as possible.