Sometimes you need to admit defeat and get help
In the age of Google, many people turn to self-diagnosis and treat themselves instead of visiting a doctor. By doing this, people expose themselves to further risk.
As much as we would like to believe that the male species is indestructible, there are still a few things that they are at risk for.
When it comes to physical and emotional health, men choose to avoid check-ups and discussing any stresses or problems they may be experiencing. These may sound like trivial things, but the consequences can lead to serious complications.
Worrying about financial problems could contribute to depression, which does not only affect them, but their families as well. Avoiding regular visits to the general practitioner can leave men at risk of being left in the dark about an illness they may have, which could lead to serious complications or be life-threatening at a later stage.
Dr Vernon Wessels added to this, saying “As a result of men not visiting a doctor as often as they should, many conditions that initially present without symptoms, such as hypertension, tumours and diabetes, tend to only be identified at a late stage. Hypertension is probably the most commonly neglected condition, as it is usually without symptoms until a late stage when organs become affected, resulting in kidney failure, heart failure or a stroke. High cholesterol levels are also asymptomatic, but easily manageable if identified early. Other conditions that are often not attended to early are testis tumours and colon cancer. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a person”.
In this age of Google, many people turn to self-diagnosis and treat themselves, instead of visiting a doctor. By doing this, people expose themselves to further risk. The diagnosis could be incorrect, and this could have serious life-threatening side effects.
So, assuming that your wife or significant other has dragged your groggy body to the doctor, you have now received your diagnosis, and it is important that you follow the doctor’s instructions.
“Unfortunately, for the diseases that present with little or no symptoms, there is a tendency for patients to not take the management as seriously as they should. This not only relates to the correct use of medication for the condition but also changing bad habits and ensuring a healthy lifestyle. It is only when complications like stroke or a heart attack set in that the true impact is acknowledged,” Vernon said.
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
• Anger outbursts – Generally, when men struggle to cope with problems, they keep their feelings bottled up. Usually, when they can no longer deal with these problems, they express themselves through anger or irritation.
• Change in personality or behaviour – Personality changes or changes in behaviour are also common signs of a man struggling to cope with something. If men start to withdraw from close friends or choose to stay at home more than they used to, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
• Loss of interest – Men who do not want to participate in things they usually love doing, for example, watching sport.
• Choice of words – Men might drop subtle lines such as ‘It is not worth living anymore’, ‘What is the use of living’ or ‘Let’s put an end to all of this’.
See also:
•Strokes among younger women on the rise
•Unsung heroes of health safety
