Men’s health: 10 habits to practice

The doctor details ten essential habits for human health. Routine care should include routine exams and mental health care

On July 15, Brazil celebrates the feast of mankind, a date created to warn about the importance of paying more attention to one’s health. In general, this audience is recognized for paying less attention to medical and self-care issues, especially than women.

To stimulate reflection on human health, the Institute of Urology, Oncology and Robotic Surgery (IUCR) highlights 10 fundamental habits that should be incorporated into a man’s routine. The recommendations are from Dr. Gustavo Cardoso Guimarães, cancer surgeon and director of the IUCR. Watch!

1 – Undergo regular medical checks

Many diseases can be avoided, treated or controlled if they are prevented or diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, as the doctor points out. “In addition to specific tests and procedures, it is important to maintain a healthy routine, which includes a balanced diet and physical activities. It is also recommended to avoid smoking and consuming excess alcoholic beverages. Integrally and preventively,” he advises.

2 – Take the recommended routine exams

The male check-up is useful for preventing diseases that usually affect men the most, such as diabetes, obesity and other specific conditions, such as prostate cancer. “Usually it is recommended to start at age 30. Every two years it is interesting to evaluate blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and check the vaccination against hepatitis B. Annually it is recommended to do: complete blood count; fasting ; lipid profile; type I urine, “he explains.

The surgeon adds that, from the age of 50, it is important to add the annual prostate assessment to these exams. If there are any cases of cancer in the family, the examination should begin at the age of 45.

3 – Respect the schedule of prostate exams

Prostate examination is the primary way to detect prostate cancer, the second most common among men. The frequency of the examination may vary and the frequency must be defined by the urologist, as evidenced by Dr. Gustavo.

“Men are recommended to have prostate exams periodically from the age of 50, but if you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should start at 45,” he reiterates.

“The digital rectal exam is quick and does not hurt. It is important to remember that prostate cancer is a leading cause of death among men. And many deaths could be prevented with early diagnosis. When the disease is diagnosed early, the treatment success rates reach 95% “, emphasizes the doctor.

4 – Know that breast cancer can also affect men

Contrary to what one might think, men can also develop breast cancer. This is because they also have mammary glands and female hormones, albeit in small quantities.

However, these cancers are rare: it is estimated that only 1% of breast cancer cases are male. Precisely because it is rare, there is no screening for breast cancer in men’s health, which requires attention. “At the first sign of a lump in the breast, swelling near the nipple, one-sided pain or discharge from the nipple, make an appointment with a doctor. It is more likely to be a benign disease, but not worth the risk,” warns the specialist.

5 – Maintain proper penis hygiene

Proper intimate hygiene can prevent penile cancer, as evidenced by the oncologist surgeon. According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), there are about six thousand new cases of the disease a year in Brazil.

“Daily cleaning of the penis with soap and water during bathing is essential, but especially after sexual intercourse and masturbation. When washing the penis, carefully, those with foreskin should pull it back and clean the underside, as well as the tip of the penis. penis (the glans), using only water and a mild soap. This treatment avoids the accumulation of smegma, which is the secretion that concentrates in the skin covering the head of the penis, “he explains.

6 – If necessary, perform phimosis surgery

Phimosis occurs when the head of the penis cannot be exposed by pulling the skin around it. This can cause difficulties when cleaning, increasing the chances of local and even urinary infections due to the build-up of secretions. Therefore, it is an alarming factor for human health.

All boys are born with phimosis. However, according to data from the Ministry of Health, at six months of age, 20% of babies are already able to retract this skin, eliminating future problems. At three years of age, about 50% already easily retract it and, at 17, 99% have no difficulty in retracting the foreskin.

“In cases where the phimosis persists and presents a more acute form, surgery may be indicated, but it depends on an analysis carried out by a specialist doctor”, comments Dr. Gustavo.

7 – Perform self-examination on the testicles

The doctor reports that men should pay attention to testicular cancer from puberty onwards. “Although it is rare, when someone is affected, the growth of the disease is generally rapid and the tumor can be aggressive. Therefore, men after puberty are recommended to have a monthly self-examination. Painless, quick and easy to do, it can be essential to save lives, as it allows testicular cancer to be detected early, “he points out.

The specialist points out that it is necessary to be aware of the changes, such as increase in size, pain, lumps, pain in the groin or any other abnormality. With every sign of irregularity, it’s time to see a doctor.

8 – Always use a condom

Condoms, or condoms, are the most popular, affordable, and effective method of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to data released by the Ministry of Health (MOH), Brazil has registered an average of 40,000 new AIDS cases every year in the past five years. And in the period between 2010 and June 2017, there were 342,531 cases of acquired syphilis – transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse.

It is also worth noting that the use of condoms during sexual intercourse is important, but this measure does not prevent HPV infection, as the virus can be present in areas not protected by the condom (vulva, pubic region, perineal or scrotum), how to alert the doctor.

9 – Keep vaccinations up to date

The importance of vaccination has become more evident in Brazil and around the world with the coronavirus pandemic. “Immunization is one of the main ways to prevent disease. Through it, the body is protected from viruses and bacteria that seriously affect the human being and can lead to death”, emphasizes Dr. Gustavo. He adds the importance of the HPV vaccine, which affects men and is a risk factor for cancers of the cervix, anal, vagina, oropharynx, vulva and penis.

10 – Pay attention to mental health

Last but not least, mental health is an essential factor for human health. However, despite the anticipations, it is still taboo for men to talk about the subject, as the surgeon declares.

“The negative stigma about male feelings prevails, as the emotional condition deteriorates. For this reason, most still face numerous barriers when seeking professional help to talk about feelings. The initial response to any psychological vulnerability is to hide,” he justifies.

“Therefore, it is necessary to multiply and spread the discourse on the mental health care of men and to reverse the prejudice on the need to consult a professional such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist,” he concludes.

After walking away from the stages with a bad back, Wesley Safadão underwent emergency surgery to remove a herniated disc. At the end of June, the singer was diagnosed with a herniated disc between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae. This caused the spinal canal to narrow and the neurological structures present therein to be compressed.

In an interview with the newspaper O Globo, neurosurgeon Francisco Sampaio Junior, the singer’s doctor, detailed that Safadão is part of 15% of the world population with the transitional vertebra, which is located between the lumbar and sacral region, as well as having the vertebrate canals of the very short nerves. This speeds up the herniated disc formation process and increases the severity of the condition.

Source: Terra

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