men's health

MOVEMBER: 5 reasons men should see a doctor

As part of the annual #MENtion It campaign, doctors at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi are encouraging men to have regular check-ups and to see their doctor if they have any health concerns.

Now in its second year, the initiative is a particular priority in 2020, when people around the world have skipped medical appointments or avoided going to hospital because of travel restrictions or the worry caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic.

A recent study conducted by Cleveland Clinic in the US found that 77 percent of men experienced an increase in stress levels this year, while 59 percent feel that the pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health.

“Men often tend to be more stoic about their health and find it hard to share their concerns or seek help when they are in pain, but what may seem like harmless symptoms at first can lead to bigger health concerns,” says Dr Waleed Hassen, chairman of urology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. “Seeing a doctor when you have a problem can often be a vital first step, particularly in a year like this one when so many people are facing additional stressors.”

Men need to see a doctor if any of these issues crop up:

Problems urinating – Urinary incontinence, going too often or having difficulty in the toilet can be a sign of a prostate condition, such as an enlarged prostate or cancer.

Lump in testicles – A persistent, painless lump should not be ignored as it could cause further problems and may be a sign of inflammation, cyst, hernia or cancer.

Weight loss and fatigue – Unexplained weight loss and sudden fatigue can be early signs of other health conditions, such as testosterone deficiency and in some cases, cancer.

Recurrent respiratory infection – These may sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as lung cancer or a primary immunodeficiency disorder.

Changes in bowel habits – Chronic constipation, bloody or narrow stools and bloating can lead to colorectal cancer if not addressed early.

Doctors are hopeful that the #MENtion It campaign will help to overcome any perceived stigma about seeking medical advice for urological, prostate and colon-related concerns. Cleveland Clinic is offering a series of  online seminars offering information about heart health, maintaining an ideal weight through diet and increased physical activity and reducing bad habits such as smoking.

Throughout November, the ‘MENtion It’ campaign will also offer online resources that encourage men in the region to proactively speak up and seek professional advice.

Men and their loved ones can find resources on a range of healthcare issues, tips on leading a healthy lifestyle and inspiring stories about men who took charge of their health at the campaign’s website.

For more information or to book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223), visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi app.

Livehealthymag.com is for every body and mind in the UAE. This magazine is all about moderation, making small changes, little additions and the odd subtraction.

Search

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Receive our newsletters right in your inbox.