In the past couple of years, people have been seemingly more health conscious than ever. With the new clean eating revolution, more people trying a vegan lifestyle than ever before and a greater emphasis on exercise, now might be the perfect time for you to give yourself a bit of a health MOT.
Many men, especially those of a certain generation, have wrongly equated bravado with the length of time they can go without visiting the doctor. This attitude belongs in the stone age and can cost lives. It’s more important than ever to listen to our bodies and ensure that we are keeping them as ship-shape as possible. Men need to take heed and ensure that, no matter how seemingly embarrassing their health issue might be, they ask for help and quickly. It’s vital that we can foster an environment where men can chat to their mates down at the local drinking establishment about their potential health problems without fear of getting laughed at or mocked. After all, women have been doing it since day dot. Take a look at these common health problems that men don’t talk about but should.
Mental Health
Our physical health is only one aspect of our well being. Over recent years, many national and international campaigns have trying to destigmatize mental health issues with mixed results. While women are quite comfortable tapping into their emotional side and feel freer to communicate with their friends about their mental state, men still find this difficult. There is still a wall of macho-ness that needs breaking down to allow guys to talk about their feelings. While the support network is often there, men commonly refuse to tap into it and will bottle up their feelings to deal with their problems alone.
An inability or unwillingness to talk about feelings of hopelessness, anxiety or depression can be dangerous and lead to more destructive thoughts. Men need to forego the bravado and open up to a close pal. The old adage of a problem shared is a problem halved really is true, and the weight that can be lifted off your shoulders when you have spoken about your issues can be immense. You never know, the friend you open up to may have a similar story to tell or may be able to relate. It’s important to realize that you are not alone and that you can come through the darkness to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Depression and anxiety can have a number of causes such as low testosterone levels or the side effects of medication. You can find out about low testosterone online and work out if the accompanying symptoms of lower libido, decreased muscle mass and insomnia mean that this could be a cause of your mental health problems. It’s vital that you can tackle your issues in the right way for you. This may involve talking workshops, cognitive behavioral therapy or medication.
Cancer
While many men will attend a doctor’s surgery if they feel a lump or bump, or they generally feel unwell, many will not if their problem is in a sensitive area. There are 8,000 new cases of testicular cancer and 232,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in the United States each year. The majority of these cancers are curable if caught at an early enough stage. This is why it is vital that men go to their doctor the first moment they have an inkling that something is wrong.
Symptoms of testicular cancer include pain or swelling in either testicle, an ache in the scrotum or even breast tenderness. These symptoms should not cause embarrassment yet for some men they inevitably do. Try and seek the advice of a health professional that you trust and be rest assured that they have seen hundreds if not thousands of men with the same issues. They want to save your life, so don’t put off going to the doctor simply because your cheeks might glow pink-red in the consultation room.
Prostate cancer is even more common and requires screening for after the age of fifty. It’s vital that you look out for symptoms such as needing to pee more at night, disrupted pee flow or a burning sensation. Caught early through screening and survival rates are exceptional. It’s vital that you don’t allow symptoms to linger on. You may not have cancer, but if you do, you will need to face it head on rather than burying your head in the sand. With a support network around you, you will find it easier to navigate your way through any health problems.
Moles
While you may think the moles on your body are harmless, if you have more than twenty, you should be paying attention to them. While having a lot of moles isn’t in itself dangerous, having those of an atypical nature is. Any mole that has an irregular border, multiple colors or is greater than 6mm in diameter should be monitored closely. What you are looking for is change. If a mole changes color, shape or feels itchy, bleeds or is raised, it requires urgent attention as it could be melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. While most moles that change turn out to be benign, it’s vital that you still get yours checked by a dermatologist who can biopsy them for peace of mind should they look suspicious.
While men up and down the country are still more shy than they care to admit when it comes to talking about their physical and mental health, the tide is definitely turning. With greater awareness and stronger support networks, men can talk about their health issues with a new level of confidence. So book an appointment today with your trusted health professional especially if you haven’t been down to the surgery in a couple of years. Your health is the most important thing so take care of it.
