Middle age is a trying – and potentially dangerous – time for blokes. Denial and standard male messages to ‘tough it out’ don’t help.
It’s hard to miss health messages for women – they’re so pink. Men get moustaches in Movember, but that’s about it. Whatever way we look at it, men are at a distinct health disadvantage.
Men are far more likely to die early from heart disease, stroke and some cancers. They’re also more likely to smoke and drink too much, to be killed in a car or commit suicide, are less willing to change behaviour and more likely to cope with stress by getting angry.
Some outdated attitudes create pressure on men to ‘‘harden up’’. This adds to men’s inclination to not talk about health, although there are encouraging signs more men are taking health seriously.
The prostate gland is one men’s health issue that does get publicity. It enlarges with age, can interfere with urination and sexual function and, sometimes, become cancerous. Prostate cancer occurs mainly in men over 60 but it is also the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men over 45. It accounts for more than 4% of all male deaths in New Zealand but has a high cure rate if detected and treated early.
However, as the cancer is often slow growing, many men live with it with no symptoms and may die unaware they have prostate cancer. My 90-year-old grandfather was one. That’s not to say symptoms should be ignored.
There is a screening blood test for prostate cancer known as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. A raised reading does not necessarily indicate cancer – it can mean other, much-less-serious things. Your GP will help you decide whether further tests are necessary.
There are differing opinions on the benefits of routine population-wide screening.
As most men hit their middle age, they also naturally have a lowered testosterone count – known to some as ‘‘grumpy man syndrome’’ or ‘‘date young girls and ride motorcycles’’. I have seen my male patients display similar symptoms to menopausal women: irritability, putting on weight, loss of confidence and vitality, depression, reduced mental effectiveness and hot sweats. Whatever the label, men simply know something is wrong.
A healthy body means getting it checked first by your GP. That’s the time to talk about anything.
For men into and beyond their 40s, it is the simple things you can do to make your life fun and enjoyable again. You may be busy with work, the family and paying off the bills, but you need a good diet, some regular exercise, to cut down on alcohol and to quit smoking.
| DIY: CHECKING YOURSELF OUT |
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1. Testicular cancer affects younger men – check for unusual or new lumps every month, and tell your doctor.
2. Eat wholegrains, almonds, plenty of fruits and vegetables (proven to combat heart disease, cancer and assist sperm function). |
3. Start some exercise – it is brilliant for mental health, controlling diabetes and as a stress buster.
4. Don’t be afraid to change to a doctor you can talk to more easily. |
(Published in the Sunday News, 26 July 2009)
More everybody MYHEALTH columns from Barbara Docherty
Barbara Docherty is a registered nurse and clinical lecturer at the University of Auckland School of Nursing, and writer for the everybody.co.nz website. The opinions contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsor. Copyright UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.
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