Early detection of common health issues for men in SA

This is largely due to a lack of education and overall awareness of common health issues that can be prevented by adopting healthier lifestyle choices. Smoking, overuse of alcohol, eating takeaway meals regularly, lack of physical activity and high stress levels all contribute to the leading natural causes of death: tuberculosis (TB), diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD) and cancer.

TACKLING TB
This widespread infectious disease mainly affects the lungs and is spread via tiny droplets in the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

As per the latest statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), our country is one of the 30 ‘high burden’ tuberculosis countries, contributing to 87% of global incidents. This is because TB tends to go unnoticed initially, with respiratory symptoms only developing months after the initial infection. For every 14 people diagnosed with TB in South Africa, eight are men.

This is why the National Health Department urges anyone experiencing the following symptoms to get tested by a medical professional:
– Discoloured or bloody sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs)
– Pain in the chest when breathing or coughing
– Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
– Fever, with night sweats, for more than two weeks

Testing is free at local clinics and is done by taking two samples of saliva and mucus. Results are typically available within two or three days, and patients will be treated with antibiotics. TB can only be cured if the full course of treatment, which can be from six to eight months, is completed.

According to Dr Jennifer Furin, an infectious disease specialist, those who screen positive can then be referred for additional care. “Support groups can also be important for people living with TB so that they can relate to others who have been through similar experiences. Peer counsellors can also be useful, and people who are TB survivors should be trained and paid to support mental-health screening and counselling for others who are undergoing TB treatment.”

DEALING WITH DIABETES
More than 4.2 million South Africans are living with diabetes, caused by the pancreas producing too little insulin, or the body being unable to properly use the insulin that is produced; this causes glucose spikes and deficiencies. Genetics, obesity, insulin resistance, eating disorders and various hormonal imbalances such as hyperthyroidism contribute to the development of diabetes.

If you notice an increase in urination, constant thirst, blurry vision and unexpected weight loss, you may be at risk. Reach out to your GP for a series of blood tests to measure your blood glucose levels. Thereafter, you may be prescribed oral medication, insulin and/or other injected medicines.

There are also lifestyle changes you can make, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing your weight, reducing stress and anxiety, and ensuring that you get check-ups at least every three months.

PUT YOUR HEART FIRST
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called ischaemic heart disease, develops when the arteries cannot adequately supply blood to the heart. In South Africa, CAD is the leading cause of death after TB, accounting for 17.3 % of deaths each year.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, an estimated 80% of heart disease and strokes tend to occur in men who are 65–70 years old. Currently, 31% of men in our country are overweight or obese, and 45% of our adults suffer from high blood pressure.

These statistics can be remedied by living a healthy lifestyle and treating conditions such as high cholesterol and diabetes as soon as they are diagnosed. A healthy lifestyle involves maintaining a healthy weight by eating a good diet and exercising regularly, drinking alcohol in moderation, not smoking and managing day-to-day stress.