Men's Health Checks

Many men only see a doctor when something hurts or when a partner insists. If you have been putting off a check-up because you feel fine, are too busy, or do not want bad news, you are not alone. The good news is that most checks are quick, often free, and they give you time to act early.

What is happening

Several of the conditions that affect South African men most, like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and HIV, often cause no symptoms for years. By the time you feel them, damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes or nerves may already be under way. A check-up is how you find them while they are still easy to manage.

Stress and mood are part of this too. Men are more likely to show distress as irritability, drinking more, working longer or pulling away, rather than as sadness. The body keeps score: poor sleep, a tight chest, headaches and low sex drive can all be signs that stress is running high.

In South Africa you can get basic screening free at a public clinic: blood pressure, a finger-prick sugar test, weight and waist, HIV testing and TB screening. Many pharmacies offer low-cost screening days, and some employers run wellness days. Medical aid members usually have a set of preventive checks paid from risk benefits, not savings, so check your plan.

Signs to notice

• You cannot remember when your blood pressure was last checked
• You get up often at night to pass urine, or the stream is weak
• You are more tired, thirsty or irritable than you used to be
• Your waist has grown, or your belt has moved a few notches
• You drink or smoke more when you are under pressure
• Erection problems have started, which can be an early sign of heart or sugar problems

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no to each question.

• Has it been more than a year since your blood pressure was checked?
• Have you never had a sugar (glucose) test?
• Have you not tested for HIV in the last year?
• Are you over 40 and have never had your cholesterol checked?
• Do you have a parent or sibling with heart disease, stroke, diabetes or prostate cancer?
• Do you have 4 or more drinks on one occasion most weeks, or do you smoke?
• Have you felt low, angry or flat for more than two weeks?

0-1 yes: You are on top of the basics. Keep a yearly reminder and carry on.
2-3 yes: A few checks are overdue. Book a clinic or pharmacy visit this month.
4 or more yes: Several things need attention. Book a proper check-up soon, and consider talking to someone about stress too.

What you can do next

• Today: Write down your family history: who had heart problems, stroke, diabetes or cancer, and at what age. Doctors use this.
• This week: Go to your nearest clinic or pharmacy clinic for blood pressure, sugar, weight and waist, and an HIV test. Ask for your numbers and write them down.
• This month: If you are over about 40 to 50, or younger with a family history, ask a doctor about prostate checks and cholesterol. Discuss the pros and cons of the PSA blood test.
• Go early in the day. Clinic queues are shorter in the morning, and some checks need you to fast, so ask when you book.
• Take a mate. Men who go together tend to follow through.

Your tool

Lifestyle Health Check - a two-minute private check of your sleep, movement, food, alcohol, smoking and stress habits that shows which areas to start with.

When to get professional help

See a doctor today if you have blood in your urine, are unable to pass urine, have a painful swollen testicle, or have lost weight without trying. Call an ambulance on 10177, or 112 from a mobile, straight away if you have chest pain or pressure that spreads to the arm, jaw or back, sudden breathlessness, or signs of a stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech slurred, Time to call (FAST). If stress, drinking or low mood have been building for weeks, that is a good reason to talk to someone too.
Who can help: doctor, nurse, psychologist, counsellor, emergency services

Getting help in South Africa

Your local public clinic offers free blood pressure, sugar, HIV and TB screening. Many pharmacies have clinics with a registered nurse at low cost. If you have medical aid, check which preventive screenings are covered each year. For stress or low mood, the Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline on 0800 212 146 can connect you to a counsellor, and SADAG on 011 234 4837 offers support.