It’s no surprise that men who fail to keep their physical and mental well-being in check may lead to health problems and undetected chronic illnesses down the line. In Singapore, women live longer than men, with an average life expectancy of 87.6 years for females and 81.9 years for males. Before you start to worry, there is a lot you can do to start taking care of your health. From eating a balanced diet to picking up healthy habits and attending regular health checkups, you can turn around your life and make sure that your mind and body are fit.
In this Pacific Prime CXA article, we will go over the most common health risks for men and tips to help you avoid common men’s health problems in Singapore at any age.
1. Cardiac illnesses
Heart diseases are common among men. However, men can actively improve their heart health by managing the unique risk factors. This should include a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, no smoking, regular exercising, and taking medication (as advised by the doctor). Moreover, you should get a checkup regularly and consult your doctor from time-to-time to ensure good heart health.
2. Obesity
Scientifically, obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of over or equivalent to 30 kg/m2. Note that 12.1% of men in Singapore are obese compared to only 9.5% of women. Unhealthy food choices, work stress, and hereditary are some of the factors contributing to obesity. That said, obesity cannot be overlooked because it puts you at risk for some of Singapore's leading causes of death, such as heart diseases and diabetes.
3. Diabetes
High glucose level in the blood is referred to as diabetes, and it is caused by insufficient insulin production. About 9% of men in Singapore are affected by diabetes. Diabetes left unattended can lead to blindness, kidney failure, impotence, and more. So, if you are 40 years or above, make sure to get a fasting blood glucose once every three years.
4. Hypertension
Hypertension is a condition where the blood is pumped through the body at a higher pressure. 30% of adult Singaporean men suffer from hypertension. While it can be incredibly harmful, the illness often goes undiagnosed. Hypertension can cause coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and renal failure. Therefore, getting a blood pressure measurement test once every two years is a good idea.
5. High Cholesterol
High levels of lipids in the blood lead to high cholesterol; 18% of Singaporean men are affected by it. High cholesterol can be dangerous because it leads to various heart problems and other illnesses. For instance, heart attacks and strokes cause more than a quarter of all deaths in Singapore annually. So, if you are 40 years old or above, get a fasting lipids health screening once every three years to ensure your lipid levels are normal.
6. Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum and the most common type of cancer men are affected by in Singapore. The Lion City has the highest number of cases of colorectal cancer in Asia. If left untreated, this type of cancer can lead to the removal of a large section of the colon and in some cases, death.
In order to ensure that your colon is healthy, it's suggested that you get a checkup once every year.
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