Here’s something worth considering: Have you ever stopped to think about why life expectancy differs between genders? On average, men tend to have shorter lifespans than women, with various factors contributing to this gap. According to the Malaysian Statistics Department, a boy born in 2017 has a life expectancy of 72.7 years, compared to 77.4 years for a girl. Additionally, men aged 15 to 65 are twice as likely to face health challenges that could lead to premature death compared to women in the same age group. It’s an important topic to reflect on, isn’t it?
However, it doesn’t have to be this way. One of the simplest yet most impactful steps toward a healthier, longer life is getting regular health checkups. These screenings play a vital role in identifying potential health issues early, enabling timely intervention, and preventing more serious conditions. Yet, statistics show that only 34.9% of Malaysian men aged 18 and above have had a health check. Why you ask? It’s a mix of fear, misunderstandings, and a bit of reluctance to change.
It’s time to flip the script—regular health screenings empower you to take charge of your health, beat the odds, and redefine what those statistics mean for your future. In conjunction with International Men’s Day, and aligned with the theme of men’s health champions – Creating a Healthier Future, let’s explore how regular health checkups can keep men healthy and thriving.
Why Do Men Skip Checkups?
The reality is that society often holds expectations for men to be tough, strong, and invincible. Unfortunately, this “tough guy” mentality often extends to health, with many men avoiding seeing a doctor unless something is seriously wrong, overlooking the little warning signs their bodies might be sending.
Here are some of the biggest reasons men skip checkups:
- Fear of bad news: “What if I find out something’s wrong?”
- Feeling invincible: “This is nothing, why bother?”
- Inconvenience: “Who has time for all that paperwork and waiting rooms?”
- Unawareness: Many men don’t even know what health screenings they need or why.
- Practical Challenges: Busy work schedules and the cost of checkups.
Combining these factors with the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, it becomes evident why many men delay or skip regular checkups.
The Risks of Waiting Until It’s Too Late
Skipping routine health screenings is like skipping your car’s regular maintenance. Your car may seem to run fine, but without regular checkups, you risk letting small issues become big problems down the road.
Some of the serious health risks men face when they delay checkups include:
- Non-communicable Diseases: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are silent killers that often show no symptoms until it’s too late. In Malaysia, 15% of the population consumed alcohol in 2023, with 75% being men—a factor strongly linked to high cholesterol and hypertension.
- Cancer: Lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers are prevalent among Malaysian men and are often diagnosed late when treatment is difficult. Smoking, which affects 19.5% of Malaysians (35.7% of men), and alcohol consumption are major contributors to these cancers.
- Mental Health Issues: Depression, substance abuse, and suicide disproportionately affect men, worsened by societal expectations of stoicism and emotional suppression. High rates of alcohol and smoking among men further exacerbate mental health struggles.
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Beyond affecting relationships, ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular issues.
Prioritizing your health is a sign of strength, not vulnerability. Neglecting it doesn’t make you tough; it increases your risk and limits your potential. Taking charge of your health today can change the course of your future!
Why Early Detection Is a Game-Changer
Think of health screenings as a crystal ball, they give you a glimpse into your future health. Detecting conditions early means you can tackle them head-on before they spiral out of control. Here’s how regular checkups help:
- Prevent serious diseases: Conditions like diabetes and hypertension are easier to manage when caught early.
- Spot cancer early: Early detection of cancers like prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer, which are more common in men, can significantly increase survival rates and reduce the need for aggressive treatments.
- Manage mental health: Talking to a healthcare provider can help you address stress, anxiety, or depression.
Taking that first step, scheduling a checkup could be one of the most important decisions you make for your health, potentially saving your life and improving your quality of life.
Food for Thought: Nutrition and Men’s Health
While regular checkups are crucial for catching health issues early, prevention often begins with the choices you make every day—starting with what’s on your plate. Here are some nutrients that can boost your health:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Found in Fatty Fish, Nuts, and Seeds): Fatty fish such as kembong, keli, patin, etc., nuts, and seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids to protect your heart and may slow cancer growth.
- Magnesium (Found in Whole Grains, Banana, and Nuts): Reduce colorectal cancer risks.
- Folate (Found in Spinach, Broccoli, and Avocado): Boosts blood flow and supports heart health.
- Lycopene (Found in Tomatoes, Guava, and Watermelon): Reduces inflammation and may help to protect against prostate cancer.
- Beta-carotene (Found in Carrots, Sweet Potato, and Cantaloupe: Improve testosterone levels and sperm quality.
Don’t forget to also embrace the Malaysian Healthy Plate Concept, Suku-Suku Separuh! It’s a simple yet powerful guide to healthier eating and preventing non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
On the flip side, cut down on alcohol, processed meats, and sugary snacks as they can increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
For more valuable insights, explore BookDoc’s article on Maximizing Men’s Health: Testosterone Boost, Prostate Wellness, and Lifestyle Enhancement. Check it out here. With these, your future self will thank you.
Closing Thoughts
This International Men’s Day, it’s time to challenge the “tough guy” stereotype and embrace a new definition of strength: one that includes taking care of your health. Regular checkups aren’t a sign of weakness, they’re acts of courage and self-respect.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take control of your health today, and you’ll be investing in a stronger, healthier future for yourself and the people you care about. So, what are you waiting for? Make that appointment, it could be the best decision you ever make.
Xin Ci, Dietetics Intern
