THE FEELING by most men that it is not macho to see the doctor even when they don't feel well seems to be universal. Jamaican men live up to the stereotype quite well. However, it may be that when men reach the age of 50, they may have enough sense to see a doctor; for routine tests or when they feel ill.
Even if this column isn't persuasive enough, wives and girlfriends may read this and gently make the suggestion. It really is a good preventive measure to have simple medical tests done on a regular basis to find out if certain serious illnesses are present before they advance far enough to become fatal. Here is a list of the major ones that can reduce suffering and prolong life.
Tests for men in their 50s
Coronary heart
disease
A large percentage of men have circulatory problems before they reach 60. Soon after a man's 50th birthday, he should arrange to have an electrocardiogram (EKG) which measures electrical signs in the heart and so helps doctors evaluate the condition of the heart. A man's risk for heart disease can be measured by this test as well as blood pressure and cholesterol level tests. Family history can also give an indication. Since about half of people who have fatal heart attacks never have any symptoms, it is a very good idea to have these tests done. To help prevent heart diseases, of course, is to maintain a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and a low-fat diet.
Cancer of the colon
A very large number of men over 50 get this disease, but it is highly treatable if caught early. Two examinations can detect this at the early stages: a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) which screens a stool sample or a sigmoidoscopy, in which doctors scrutinise the colon for tumours or other abnormalities by inserting a small, flexible tube through the rectum. Either of these tests can catch the cancer in time to save life.
Other tests
Men over 50 should also have tests for high blood pressure, diabetes and prostate cancer on an annual basis and an EKG at least every five years.
Tests for men in their 60s
Prostate disease
The prostate gland can have other problems beside cancer. More than half the men in their 60s have enlarged prostates. This causes the urine to choke, producing symptoms such as leaking or dribbling, frequent and urgent urination, a weak urination system and incontinence. There are several ways to successfully treat these symptoms: surgery, drugs and herbal supplements. Depending on the stage of the illness, the treatment will vary, so see your doctor.
Stroke
After age 55, the risk of stroke more than doubles with each ten years of life. Most strokes are caused by a blood clot that blocks the brain. Symptoms can occur very suddenly and can include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, loss of vision in one eye, inability to speak, severe headache and dizziness or falling. Sometimes a brief appearance of these symptoms occurs before a full-fledged stroke. Anyone with any of these symptoms should immediately go to a doctor. New drugs are now available which make very high odds of recovery, the sooner help is received by the victim. Men with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or a family history of stroke, should be particularly watchful.
Osteoarthritis
Another prevalent illness in the over-60 group is osteoarthritis which causes bones to rub against one another when the cartilage in the joints break down. It usually affects joints that bear weight such as the knees, hips and feet. Although painful and causing loss of motion and inflammation, it can be controlled with a mixture of pain relievers and exercise. A healthy body weight also helps reduce stress on the aching joints.
Annual check-ups
Every year, men should have physical examinations, including checks on blood pressure, cholesterol and PSA readings, and tests for colon cancer and diabetes. And an EKG should be done every five years.
