SA men are dying too young men are dying too young – and it's time to talk about it
This Men's Health Month, we are calling on men of all ages to take charge of their well-being by prioritising regular health screenings, embracing healthier habits, and speaking openly about both physical and mental health challenges.
Too many men only visit a doctor when it's already too late. We need to normalise proactive care because prevention is far more powerful than a cure. The stats speak for themselves
South African men are living, on average, seven years less than women, with an average life expectancy of just around 62 years for men, compared to 69 years for women. This stark difference is largely due to avoidable health risks, late diagnoses and a lack of health-seeking behaviour such as preventative care.
A concerning trend is the high rate of late-stage prostate and testicular cancer diagnoses among South African men. Prostate cancer – the most common cancer among men – is highly manageable when caught in its early stages. Yet stigma and fear, especially around how screenings are conducted, discourage men from seeking help.
Many men dread the rectal exam. But times have changed. A simple PSA blood test is now an initial screening option for men over 40 years old. More invasive tests are only needed if red flags are raised.
Men are encouraged to perform frequent testicular self-exams and to undergo annual prostate screenings to catch problems early, before they become life-threatening. The hidden threats
Beyond cancer, men face higher risks of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and mental health disorders – often diagnosed too late due to delayed healthcare consultations. Lifestyle-related risks, including poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use and tobacco consumption, further worsen outcomes.
What about mental health? Still taboo. Men are far less likely than women to seek help for depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, leading to rising substance addiction and suicide rates. Men also lag in HIV and TB testing, treatment and adherence, with only a few going for testing and treatment, and taking precautionary measures.
It's time to flip the script. Going for regular check-ups isn't a weakness – it's being responsible. It's a strength, and it's how we stay alive for the people who count on us.'
Men are encouraged to take small but consistent steps: Schedule annual health screenings
Adopt a balanced diet and exercise regularly
Manage stress and mental well-being
Stay informed and proactive about their health
When detected early, most health problems are manageable or even reversible. Men, your health matters. Speak up. Show up. Live longer.
Dr Lee Moses, Medical Advisor: Advisory Risk and Quality Management at Bestmed Medical Scheme
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Surprise raids in Durban target non-compliant processed meat products
NRCS officials conducting a surprise inspection at a local wholesaler in Durban. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Consumer Commission (NCC), descended on various businesses in Durban for high-impact surprise raids on Tuesday and seized non-compliant ready-to-eat processed meat products. NRCS Food and Associated Industries Business Unit principal inspector Grant Hingle said they were there to administer regulations regarding ready-to-eat processed meat products. He explained that following the listeriosis outbreak a few years ago, the Department of Trade and Industry mandated the NRCS to regulate the processed meat industry to eliminate a possible recurrence of the outbreak. All ready-to-eat processed meat product manufacturers are required to follow a national standard of compulsory specification and a South African national standard. Wholesaler employees packaging processed meat products in Durban. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers 'We have a situation where we have sort of retail butcheries manufacturing processed meat products on their premises for sale in their stores,' Hingle said. He said their primary focus is to try to get them to comply. One of their stops was Point Wholesale Meats on Mahatma Gandhi Road in the Point area, where the team identified and seized several ready-to-eat processed meat products. 'They're manufacturing on site. They have made some attempt to have process control when they manufacture, but they do need to comply in terms of other sorts of more safety-related requirements,' Hingle said. 'So we will be in touch with them. I have corresponded with the manager. We're going to arrange to provide him with the documentation that he needs in order to comply and be registered as a manufacturer.' Seized non-compliant processed meat products during the NRCS raid. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers In light of these infractions, Hingle explained that they do not fine, they only remove products from the market. 'We've uplifted all their stock that falls within that regulation. We have the authority to be able to remove the product from the market, but we don't actually fine them,' Hingle said. NRCS principal inspector Grant Hingle explained the importance of compliance in the processed meat industry. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers He clarified that all ready-to-eat processed meat products covered by the compulsory specification are incorrectly labeled. 'They basically haven't been produced in a controlled approved facility, so that's the reason why by default the product is considered to be non-compliant,' Hingle said. Next, was Chester Butcheries on Umgeni Road where the team seized more products. 'They're not manufacturing any product here. We need to locate the source of the product that we've just taken now. We sort of know more or less where we need to go,' Hingle explained. 'There wasn't a lot of product here. Probably the equivalent of maybe 50 kilograms of product.' Hingle said their next mission was finding where the product is manufactured. NRCS Electrotech Business Unit general manager Tintswalo Ntlhane said their mandate is to enforce compliance in the field of electrotech, chemical, mechanical, food and automotive. She said they planned to go to the street and market to identify non-compliant goods in the market. 'We will identify electronic equipment or products, we will identify, eradicate those that are non-compliant. Non-compliant, it means they are not compliant to the regulation,' Ntlhane explained. 'It's either they don't have a letter of authority or they are not allowed to be in the market. So we are here to eradicate that. We will take it out from the market so that people can purchase with confidence. Those products are not good for the market. They are not good for the public. And hence, we are here to eradicate this non-compliance.' Inspectors from NRCS and SAPS collaborating to enforce food safety regulations. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers Ntlhane said a police presence was necessary for safety because some shop owners retaliate when they see their stock seized. 'Sometimes they retaliate, so we need support from our sister companies and other entities, law enforcement agencies to support us and to protect us when we do these activities,' Ntlhane said. She added that major raids help them identify many non-compliance issues. [email protected]
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
Rooibos and broccoli protect the heart
Biochemist Sinenhlanhla Mthembu reveals how rooibos and broccoli can help combat heart disease, a leading cause of death in South Africa. Broccoli and rooibos, common food items in South Africa, have been found to help protect against the leading cause of death: heart disease. This significant finding has emerged from research conducted by a young biochemist at North-West University's (NWU) Mahikeng campus, Sinenhlanhla Mthembu. She embarked on a mission to explore the potential role of plant-based compounds in combating heart damage associated with metabolic disorders. After dedicated research for her PhD degree, for which she graduated in July, Mthembu successfully demonstrated that both broccoli and rooibos possess the ability to protect the heart. Broccoli and rooibos can protect heart KwaZulu-Natal-born Mthembu, 27, had set herself on a research journey with a special focus. She had people in mind and how this lifestyle disease had now begun to devastate rural communities due to changing lifestyles. 'I was motivated by a desire to tackle real health challenges that affect people's lives,' Mthembu says. ALSO READ: [REVIEW] Huawei's Watch Fit 4 Pro an Apple watch killer? 'Heart disease and lipid-related disorders are major concerns, especially in South Africa, and I wanted to explore how everyday foods like rooibos and broccoli, foods many of us enjoy daily, can protect the heart.' Mthembu's study addressed the question why cardiovascular complications continue to rise, despite the availability of conventional therapies. The findings point to affordable, plant-based interventions as a potential solution. Affordable, plant-based interventions While the body naturally produces disease-fighting antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10, which is critical for heart health, metabolic complications such as dyslipidemia can disrupt these molecules, she says. 'Natural compounds such as aspalathin from rooibos and sulforaphane from broccoli can restore antioxidants, improve energy metabolism and shield heart cells from oxidative damage. 'This could improve outcomes for patients facing cardiovascular complications.' ALSO READ: Lifesaving heart surgery gives baby Oaheng a second chance to shine Mthembu is grateful to the South African Medical Research Council that supported her during her studies. But she reserved special thanks to her mentor and supervisor, Prof Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje from the biochemistry department 'who supported not only my lab work but also my dreams'. NWU vice-chancellor and principal Prof Bismark Tyobeka spoke about the young scientist's research work and how it would put NWU on the world map. Noting Mthembu's excellent research outcomes and alluding to her humble rural background, Tyobeka said, 'one's origins do not dictate one's potential and destination'. Cardiovascular disease top 3 causes of death in SA According to Discovery, cardiovascular disease is one of the top three causes of death in South Africa, ahead of HIV/Aids and TB combined in terms of mortality. The South African Heart Association said the disease was among the top three causes of death in sub-Saharan Africa. Discovery said approximately 78 475 people die from heart disease annually, or about 215 deaths per day in South Africa. NOW READ: The silent threat of hyperlipidaemia lurking in everyday joys
IOL News
14 hours ago
- IOL News
Beyond the scale: the complex truth about obesity and its health implications
Recognising obesity as a chronic disease is crucial for changing the conversation from one of blame to understanding and treatment. Image: Natasha Chizhevskaya /Pexels "Eat less and move more." We hear this often, as if obesity were simple to solve. But science reveals otherwise. Obesity isn't about willpower; it's a chronic disease recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and impacts far more than the number on the scale. For women, the dangers of obesity go beyond appearance or stigma. Excess abdominal weight is linked to hormonal imbalances, pregnancy complications and even changes to a baby's DNA, called epigenetic programming. Why does the WHO call obesity a chronic disease The WHO now classifies obesity as a chronic disease because it is complex, long-term, and relapsing. It involves a mix of genetic, biological, psychological, social and environmental factors that go beyond personal choice. Research published in The Lancet shows that 40–70% of obesity has a genetic basismeaning biology, not lack of effort, plays a big role. At the South African launch of Wegovy, the first once-weekly GLP-1 therapy approved locally for obesity, Dr Kershlin Naidu, an endocrinologist at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital, explained it best: 'Treating obesity isn't about willpower. It's about the science. "Obesity is a journey, and the body often fights weight loss through mechanisms like metabolic adaptation, where the body slows metabolism and increases hunger hormones to push you back to your old weight.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading As Dr Naidu astutely remarks, 'Obesity is not a personal failure; it's a medical condition that requires care, compassion, and science-driven solutions.' Image: vuyile madwantsi Naidu's metaphor, 'grab your metaphorical backpacks and let's unpack this together,' invites us into the conversation, demystifying complexity with warmth. He walks us through six intertwining causes of obesity: Biological drivers (the brain's three eating centres: hunger, choice, pleasure) Genetic predisposition (40–70% of obesity risk, he notes, is inherited) Psychological stress (depression, anxiety, feed emotional eating) Medications that may unintentionally promote weight gain Environmental pressures (lifestyle, unhealthy food access) Socioeconomic constraints, especially here in South Africa, where 'healthy food ends up being a luxury' This mosaic of causes shows that obesity isn't a moral failing; it's deeply biological and relational. Why is obesity more dangerous for women? Obesity impacts everyone differently, but women face unique risks because of hormones, pregnancy and fat distribution patterns. Hormonal imbalances and fertility: Excess abdominal fat disrupts estrogen and insulin levels. This is why women with obesity are more likely to develop polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects fertility and raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease, according to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Pregnancy complications and fetal DNA changes: Maternal obesity not only affects the mother, but it also alters the child's future. A 2021 review in Nature Reviews Endocrinology found that maternal obesity can trigger epigenetic changes, altering the expression of genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence. This raises the child's risk of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders later in life. Naidu calls this 'fetal programming': 'When a pregnant woman is obese, it changes how her baby's genes are expressed. That child is already at a higher risk of becoming obese, continuing the cycle.' The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently reclassified obesity as a chronic disease, emphasising that it is a complex condition influenced by a myriad of factors, far beyond mere personal choice. Image: Visceral fat Not all fat is equal. Visceral fat (umkhaba), which builds up around the abdomen and organs, is particularly harmful. Unlike the fat under the skin (subcutaneous fat), visceral fat is metabolically active; it releases hormones and inflammatory chemicals that increase the risk of: Type 2 diabetes. Heart disease and stroke. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The US National Institutes of Health reports that women with high levels of visceral fat face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular complications, even if their overall weight seems moderate. Mental health burden Beyond the physical toll, obesity carries a heavy emotional weight. Social stigma and body shaming often lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, especially among women. This can fuel emotional eating, creating a vicious cycle that's difficult to break. Obesity doesn't just affect health; it drains economies, too. A 2022 study from the University of the Witwatersrand estimated that South Africa spends R33 billion annually on obesity-related healthcare costs. That's nearly 15% of the national health budget. From stigma to solutions Understanding obesity as a chronic disease changes the conversation. It's not about blame, but about treatment and support. According to Naidu, a multifactorial approach combining lifestyle changes, medical therapy, and emotional support is the only sustainable solution. Medications like Wegovy, backed by over 15 years of safety data and studies involving more than 20 million people worldwide, are giving new hope. Clinical trials have shown that it not only aids in weight loss but also reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Obesity is no longer just about aesthetics; it's about life expectancy. Studies show that severe obesity can cut a woman's life short by up to 10 years. To put that in perspective, that's time you could have spent witnessing milestones like your child's graduation, the birth of a grandchild, or finally taking that dream trip. "Obesity is not a personal failure; it's a medical condition that requires care, compassion, and science-driven solutions." For women especially, it carries risks that ripple through generations. As Naidu reminds us: 'Obesity is a journey. And no one should have to walk it alone.'
