19th June 2016 – Father's day

“Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue.
Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue”
- Congressman Bill Richardson


If you are a woman reading this, what does a man’s health have to do with you?

Plenty !!! Men’s health issues do not affect only men; they have a significant impact on everyone around them. Generally since women live longer than men, they see their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons suffer or die prematurely. As women, we are in a unique position to be able to help the men in our life stay healthy. We take better care of ourselves and pay better attention to our health than men. Hence it is easier for us to help the men in our lives adopt healthier habits….if they will listen to us and follow our advice ;-)


Warning signs and symptoms:

•  Changes in bladder habits could indicate bladder and prostate problems while blood in the  urine could indicate kidney problems.
•  Excessive urination at night could indicate an enlarged prostate gland.
•  Persistent backaches could indicate bone issues.
•  Chest pain and pain in the arms and back of the neck could indicate cardiac issues.
•  A nagging cough, persistent cold, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue could indicate  issues of the thyroid or lung or upper respiratory tract.
•  Unusual lumps, definite changes in the size of warts and moles, rectal bleeding that will not  stop could indicate cancer.
•  Erectile issues could indicate an underlying health issue like high blood pressure, diabetes or  clogged arteries.
•  Anxiety, feeling helpless, sad and empty, losing interest in hobbies and pleasurable activities,  finding it difficult to get a good night’s sleep etc could indicate depression.

Prevention:

Besides encouraging the men in your life to exercise regularly, eat healthy food, do monthly self exams (yes men do get breast cancer and testicular cancer), the best thing that you can do is to get them to do regular medical check ups.

For the men reading this post:

•  Eat a varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
•  Avoid saturated fats and cholesterol-rich food
•  Exercise
•  Maintain a healthy weight
•  Protect yourself from the sun
•  Drink plenty of water
•  Limit alcohol intake
•  Stop smoking
•  Meet your doctor and be aware of your family health history
•  If you are over 40 test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) level
•  Practice safe sex
•  Wear a seat belt if you drive a car…a helmet if you ride a bike
•  Manage your stress levels with yoga…meditation etc
•  Get help asap if you need it

So Happy Father's Day to all the great dads out there…. And most importantly to my husband who is a wonderful dad to my lovely girls…. Stay blessed with good health… always!!!

Warm regards

Charmaine D'Souza