In Ireland, men are more likely to suffer from ill health than women, but are less likely to seek out medical help. Men in Ireland have a life expectancy five years shorter than their female counterparts, so it is important for men to take control of their health and find ways to live more healthily. With the growing interest in healthy lifestyles, men’s health has become a hot topic, but what does the phrase really refer to, and how can men improve their overall health and wellbeing? At Roxboro Medical Centre in Limerick, we can help solve all your health queries. Here is our guide to men’s health.
1. What is meant by men’s health?
Men’s health refers to conditions specific to people who are biologically male. It can also include conditions that are more common amongst men or more serious in men. These conditions may occur for many reasons, including men’s anatomy, behaviours, genetics, or social pressures. Men’s health covers areas specific to male anatomy, such as testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction. But it also includes conditions that men are prone to developing, such as alcohol dependency, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol, and mental health problems.
2. What is a men’s health / Well Man check?
A Well Man check gives you a complete medical check over. You can think of it like getting your vehicle serviced. At Roxboro Medical Centre, your doctor will start by taking you through a health questionnaire. This is geared towards getting a picture of your medical history, including any current concerns, relevant family health problems, lifestyle habits that may affect your health such as smoking and drinking, any ongoing medications, and any allergies or chronic conditions. Next, your doctor will give you a full physical examination. This involves measuring your height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, heart rate and pulse. Your doctor will go on to conduct cardiovascular, abdominal, respiratory and neurological examinations. Depending on the information you have given, you may also have testicular and prostate examinations. Following your physical, your doctor will then conduct various tests. These include checking your blood count (for anaemia, and to check your bone marrow); your kidney function, liver function, and thyroid function; your cholesterol and lipid profile; your iron profile (checking for hereditary haemochromatosis); checking your prostate-specific antigen (and if applicable, checking for prostate cancer); taking a urinalysis; and finally an electrocardiogram, to check on your heart.
3. What health problems do men have?
Of course, men can develop many medical problems, but there are some issues that are more common in men, more serious in men, or that are unique to male biology. A Well Man check can really help with these, detecting them early or recognising when a patient might be especially prone to developing a certain problem. These include male specific cancers, such as testicular cancer or prostate cancer. Erectile dysfunction or other conditions relating to the male sexual organs. The most common cause of premature illness and death in Irish men is heart disease. Conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol are also more common in men and are covered by the Well Man check.
4. How often should men get health checks?
If you are feeling under the weather, or simply aware that you are not as fit as you were, it could be time to get a health check. Regular health checks are the best way to prevent illness, detect disease early, and maintain a happy and healthy life. Give us a call at Roxboro Medical Centre and our friendly team of medical experts will advise you on when you should book your next health check.
5. How can a man improve his health?
There are many ways a man can improve his health. From taking regular cardiovascular exercise, to eating well and restricting alcohol intake, lifestyle is one of the biggest factors in maintaining personal health. Mental health is also a vital part of overall wellbeing, so combine your exercise with socialising – perhaps join a football team or go running with a friend. Share a healthy meal with your loved ones, and if you are feeling low, find a good person to talk to, rather than drowning your sorrows. But sometimes you will need the help of a medical expert, and that is when it is important that you have had regular medical checks, such as the Well Man check.
Do you have any questions about men’s health?
If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at Roxboro Medical Centre, Limerick. Our friendly staff are expertly trained to help you find the service you need, whether that is a Well Man check or simply a chat with your doctor. Take control of your health and wellbeing today.
Dr. Lucey is a very keen sportsperson having played both Hurling and Gaelic Football with his native club Croom as well as representing Limerick from the age of 16 in 1996 up to his retirement in 2015. He represented Limerick at Senior level for 17 years with 67 championship appearances, over 30 in each code.
Following on from his interest in sport, Dr. Lucey completed a Masters in Sport & Exercise Medicine from University College Cork graduating in 2009. He is a certified provider of the EMS Swiss Dolorclast method for ESWT (extracorporeal shockwave therapy).
Dr Lucey has worked as doctor for the Limerick Senior, U21 and Minor Football teams, as well as the Limerick Minor Hurling team. He has also worked as doctor for Limerick FC for a number of years.