November 19 was celebrated as International Men’s Day. International Men's Day honours the invaluable contributions of men to society, families, and communities worldwide. This apart it is a global awareness day for many issues that men face, including abuse, homelessness, suicide, and violence. But above all, it is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the lives, accomplishments, and roles of men and boys, particularly in areas such as family, marriage, community, nation-building, and childcare.
Men's Day serves as a reminder to celebrate the achievements of men, but it also highlights the importance of health and well-being. This is even more relevant in today’s fast-paced world where men often have to prioritise work, family, and social responsibilities over their own health. But this is not advisable at all. Regular check-ups and visits to qualified doctors are vital for maintaining good health and preventing serious health issues.
Men are traditionally held to be strong, resilient characters – something which actually works against their health. This is because they feel compelled to ignore early warning signs or avoid seeking medical advice, as they think of that as a sign of weakness. The result is that many preventable conditions often go untreated or are not even diagnosed. This is especially prevalent among men in the 30s and 40s who tend to think they are immune to health problems. However, chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and prostate cancer can develop silently, often without any obvious symptoms.
So, it’s easy to see why regular medical check-ups are vital as they can help detect potential health risks before they escalate.
Early detection of any disease is actually key to curing it. Regular visits to a doctor allow for early detection of conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Early diagnosis is what often makes the difference between a manageable condition and one that requires more intensive treatment or surgery. A good example is prostate cancer which can be detected early through routine screenings, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment.
There is another overlooked aspect of health that regular check-ups can help address – mental health. This is an area which is often ignored, especially by men who are less likely to seek help. However, mental health issues like depression and anxiety can affect anyone. Stress, depression, or anxiety often go unnoticed and untreated. But doctors can make a huge difference by recommending therapies or treatments that ensure a balanced and healthy life.
Men’s health check-ups are also about promoting a healthy lifestyle. Doctors can guide patients on proper nutrition, exercise routines and strategies to maintain a healthy weight. They can also provide advice on reducing risky behaviours, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or a sedentary lifestyle. Acting on such advice can help men prevent many chronic conditions and improve their quality of life.
Like it or not, a societal stigma still appears to exist that prompts men to avoid check-ups as they feel the need to conform to the stereotype that men must be tough and handle health problems on their own. This prevents them from reaching out for help. This mindset needs to change, and men must recognise that taking care of their health is a sign of strength and not weakness.
On Men’s Day, that is the lesson to keep in mind – primarily that men must prioritise their health by scheduling regular check-ups and consulting with qualified doctors. By catching potential health issues early and adopting a proactive approach to health, men can lead longer, healthier lives. So, this Men’s Day, make a commitment to your health and schedule a check-up soon.