“Men don’t go to the doctor”.

I’ve frequently heard this and similar sentiments throughout my life, and now in my personal practice as a doctor, I’ve found it to be somewhat true. I am consequently often compelled to think about some of the reasons for this. Truth is, men going to the doctor is often perceived in a similar light to that of seeking care for mental health issues. Men are supposed to be strong, unbreakable, not showing any sign of weakness, and maybe, seeking medical help may expose vulnerabilities or confer some form of weakness that would otherwise not have been confronted. Again, from my own experience, men most commonly visit the doctor for sporting or work-related injuries, and issues that involve the preservation of their manhood, be it sexually transmitted infections (mostly in men under 40) or erectile dysfunction (for men over 40).

Here are some striking data though, that may challenge the ‘tough guy act’ which often gets in the way of men seeking and obtaining proper healthcare:

• According to the CDC, the top 5 leading causes of death in men of all races in the US (2018) were:
  i. Heart Disease
  ii. Cancer
  iii. Unintentional Injuries
  iv. Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease
  v. Stroke
• 2019 data from Jamaica indicates that Stroke takes the number 1 spot, followed by Diabetes, Ischaemic Heart, Unintentional Injuries and Prostate Cancer, in that order.
• Men are at higher risk of developing a heart attack earlier in life than women (the average age for a first heart attack in men is 65, compared with 72 in women), due to a combination of biological and lifestyle factors. Women produce oestrogen, which up until menopause, provides considerable protection against heart disease. Men don’t benefit from that kind of protection!
• The common denominator amongst the leading causes of death (save for unintentional injuries), is that their occurrence, severity and progression are greatly influenced by lifestyle factors including: smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of exercise, and infrequent interface with the healthcare system.
• Interestingly, all the above-mentioned lifestyle factors are major contributors to the development erectile dysfunction in men, which challenges the whole notion of not needing to see the doctor until “downstairs not working”.

All these facts point to the need for us men to be proactive and aggressive in the pursuit of health and wellness if we desire to be around for a long time. Here are a few key points that will certainly get you started on this journey of developing a healthier you:

• Schedule more frequent visits with a trusted primary healthcare provider who will guide you to make sound health choices.
• Cigarette smoking may make you feel good and/or cope with stress. However, think about the myriad of adverse health effects of overindulgence such as cancers (most types), heart attack, stroke, COPD, and yes… ERECTYLE DYSFUNCTION. Simply put, the risks will far outweigh the benefits.
• There are certain cancers for which screening can lead to early detection and prevention/treatment. Men of African descent should begin prostate cancer screening at age 45, and colon cancer screening should also begin at 45. Speak to your doctor about circumstances under which earlier screening may be required such as having a significant family history or genetic mutations.
• Hypertension is called the ‘silent killer’ for a reason. Don’t take it for granted that you feel perfectly fine while your blood pressure is through the roof. Once your blood pressure reaches 130/80, it’s time to see your physician.
• Finally, develop healthy lifestyle habits that will lead to improved overall health outcomes. Find a way to engage in regular exercise, be it playing football, running, walking, or going to the gym, and eat healthy (KFC has made enough money from you).

There is nothing stronger as men than us taking charge of our health and our lives so that we can be around for our families and friends for as long as possible. So let us as men turn a new page where seeking healthcare is no longer erroneously viewed as a sign of weakness but rather, acknowledging the fragility of life and “man-ing up” to preserve it.

This article was done by Dr. Zavion Edwards. Dr. Edwards practices medicine on the island of Jamaica. He is a Christian, who serves as a deacon, lay preacher, praise in worship leader, and the head of the health care ministry in his local church. As an adventure seeker, he enjoys traveling with good friends and family. He often volunteers his time and skills to his community.

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