Health statistics show men are dropping the ball
19 November 2024
There has been a 15% decline in men attending clinics for health visits across all age categories. The City of Cape Town’s Health Department has urged men to take responsibility for their well-being on International Men’s Day today, 19 November.
The theme this year is ‘Men’s Health Champions’.
During the 2023/2024 financial year 1 101 765 men attended City clinics, compared to 1 294 229 the previous year.
‘One of the key objectives of the day is to improve the health of men and boys. It starts with identifying risk factors and taking measures to reduce the potential impact. Heart disease, TB and diabetes are among the leading causes of death in men. The good news is that there are precautions men can take to stay healthy,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
Men aged 40 and above are typically encouraged to have regular screening for hypertension and diabetes, but trends show that younger men (18 – 40) are being diagnosed, due, in part, to lifestyle factors.
In terms of testicular cancer, young men are encouraged to not ignore lumps just because they are pain-free, and to have them checked out at their nearest healthcare facility.
Mental health statistics show that the incidence of common mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety is on the increase, including suicide amongst adolescents and men.
‘We need to shift perceptions around seeking professional help for mental health matters, but also taking responsibility for our own health through positive lifestyle changes, like eating healthy foods, exercising and avoiding substances like alcohol and drugs. If you have any questions or concerns, visit your nearest clinic, and make use of the online booking system to reduce the waiting times for walk-in consultations,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.
Other health issues that men should be aware of and have checked if they have any concerns:
Prostate disease, including cancer and benign disease. Men aged 40 and above can be screened if asymptomatic, and men of any age can be checked out if symptomatic. Prostate symptoms include difficulty in starting or stopping your urinary stream, a weak urinary stream throughout, and increased frequency in passing urine, especially at night
Testicular disease
Tuberculosis: if you have been coughing for more than two weeks, are losing weight, sweating a lot at night, or have been in close contact with someone who has TB, get it checked at your nearest facility. TB remains a very treatable disease
HIV: all men should know their HIV status. HIV cannot be cured, but can be controlled with medication
Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and asthma: all conditions that can be controlled on medication, and where sensible lifestyle choices have beneficial impacts
Cardiovascular disease accounts for significant morbidity in South Africa. If you are having chest pain, have it checked out
A men’s health event was held earlier today at the Gugulethu Clinic where men were encouraged to regularly go for health checks.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
