By Desire Uzochukwu
Medical Consultants have urged men to take greater responsibility for their health by prioritising regular medical screening, healthy lifestyle choices and early intervention to reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular and prostate diseases.
The call was made during a webinar titled “The Intentional Man: Taking Charge of Your Health,” organised by SYNLAB Nigeria as part of its health awareness and preventive healthcare initiatives. The webinar focused on cardiovascular and prostate health, with speakers highlighting the importance of knowing personal health risks and acting before diseases advance.
Speaking on cardiovascular disease prevention, Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Oladeji Olajide, noted that men generally have shorter life expectancies than women and linked part of the disparity to lower healthcare-seeking behaviour, delayed medical attention and risk-taking behaviours among men.
Oladeji identified hypertension, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, smoking and obesity as some of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. He stressed that many cardiovascular deaths can be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices, regular screening and early intervention.
He encouraged men to know their key health numbers, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels and body mass index (BMI), describing preventive healthcare as an act of responsibility rather than a sign of weakness.
The cardiologist also explained the relationship between diabetes and hypertension, noting that diabetes can contribute to high blood pressure through damage to blood vessels and impaired kidney function. He encouraged people with pre-diabetes to adopt healthier dietary and lifestyle practices to reduce their risk of progressing to diabetes and developing associated complications.
Also speaking during the webinar, Clinical and Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Habibu Muhammad, focused on prostate health and the importance of early detection. Dr. Muhammad explained that prostate conditions, including benign prostatic enlargement, prostatitis and prostate cancer, become increasingly common as men age. He noted that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian men and may present without obvious symptoms, particularly in its early stages.
He therefore stressed the importance of regular screening, particularly for men above 40 and those with a family history of prostate cancer or African ancestry. He highlighted the importance of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal examination in assessing prostate health.
According to him, early detection provides an opportunity for timely medical intervention, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle and attending regular medical check-ups can help men take a more proactive approach to their health.
The webinar also featured an interactive question-and-answer session during which participants sought clarification on issues relating to blood pressure, pre-diabetes, blood pressure medications, coffee consumption, prostate health and sexual performance.
Responding to a question on blood pressure during pregnancy, Dr. Oladeji explained that blood pressure classifications remain applicable to pregnant and non-pregnant women, while noting that some blood pressure medications require caution during pregnancy because of potential risks to the baby.
On lifestyle and prostate health, Dr. Muhammad responded to a question about coffee consumption, noting that while very hot beverages have been linked to oesophageal cancer, the research have not established a clear link between coffee consumption and prostate cancer.
The experts also discussed the relationship between prostate conditions and sexual performance, noting that prostate problems and their treatment may have implications for sexual function and that timely assessment and appropriate medical management are important.
The webinar reinforced the need for men to move beyond waiting for symptoms before seeking medical attention. Participants were encouraged to know their health status, undergo appropriate screening and make informed lifestyle choices as part of taking charge of their overall wellbeing.
The webinar, which was streamed live on YouTube, forms part of SYNLAB Nigeria’s commitment to promoting health education and increasing awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare among Nigerians.
