Health Connect - June 2024 Edition

Dear Friends of MHC Asia,

In our fast-paced lifestyle, it causes us to often neglect our health. But staying informed is essential! This week, discover the three health conditions every man should watch out for.

1. Heart Disease

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men. In Singapore, it is the second leading cause of death among men, accounting for 19.7% of total male deaths in 2022 (1). Factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking significantly increase your risk.

Maintaining heart health involves:

• Regular exercise with cardio activities such as brisk walking, jogging or cycling
• A balanced diet with less sugar and salt intake, more leafy greens and healthy fats.
• Routine check-ups

Early detection is key to mitigating these risks! Being proactive can help you live a longer, more energetic life and have a healthy heart.

2. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. From 2017 to 2021, there were 6,912 reported cases of prostate cancer, accounting for 16.8% of all male cancer cases (2). It's vital to understand the symptoms, which include difficulty urinating, blood in urine, and pelvic discomfort.

To stay proactive:

• Schedule annual screenings for a comprehensive health check
• Staying informed about your family history

These steps can significantly increase early detection and successful treatment rates. If you face any discomfort or symptoms, seek help from your healthcare provider immediately.

3. Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise, affecting millions of men worldwide. About one in 10 (9.5%) of Singapore residents aged 18 to 74 years had diabetes mellitus during the period 2019-2020. A higher proportion of males (10.6%) were diabetic compared to females (8.4%) (3).

It’s essential to watch for symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss.

Managing and preventing diabetes involves:

• Having a proper diet to adopt a healthy lifestyle
• Include regular exercise to your daily routine, like taking the stairs or doing household chores

By consistently following your health plan, individuals can effectively prevent or better manage this condition.

Taking proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle can make a significant difference. Stay informed, get regular check-ups, and don’t ignore symptoms. Addressing these health concerns early can lead to better outcomes and a higher quality of life.

Thank you for being a valued reader.

Sincerely,

MHC Asia Group

Disclaimer:

All content in this publication is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute any form of medical advice or clinical care nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Please speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions pertaining to your healthcare.

References

1. https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/default-document-library/nphs-2020-survey-report.pdf
2. Cancer Statistics ( nccs.com.sg )
3. Singapore Health Facts: Principal Causes of Death