Latest news with #LeeMoses
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
SA men are dying too young men are dying too young – and it's time to talk about it
One silent crisis continues to claim lives: men's health. Across South Africa, men are suffering – and dying – in silence. The reasons? Fear, stigma and a deeply ingrained culture of avoidance when it comes to medical check-ups and health screenings. 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
IOL News
5 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Silent crisis: Why South African men are dying seven years sooner than women
One silent crisis continues to claim lives: men's health. Across South Africa, men are suffering – and dying – in silence. Image: Nappy/Pexels In a world where health discussions dominate conversations, one silent crisis stands out: men's health across South Africa. Glaring statistics reveal a grim reality, as South African men are living an average of seven years less than women, with a life expectancy of just around 62 years compared to 69 years for their female counterparts. This disparity is largely attributed to avoidable health risks, late diagnoses, and an alarming reluctance to seek preventative care. This Men's Health Month, Bestmed Medical Scheme is urging men of all ages to take action towards their well-being. The persistent issues of fear, stigma, and a deeply ingrained culture of avoidance surrounding medical check-ups and health screenings continue to claim lives. 'Too many men only visit a doctor when it's already too late,' warns Dr Lee Moses, Medical Advisor: Advisory Risk and Quality Management at Bestmed Medical Scheme. 'We need to normalise proactive care because prevention is far more powerful than cure.' The stark statistics The statistics paint a sobering picture of men's health in the country. Aside from the considerable life expectancy gap, there is a concerning trend regarding late-stage diagnoses of prostate and testicular cancer. Prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men, is highly manageable if caught in its early stages. However, stigma related to screenings, particularly fears surrounding rectal exams, discourages many from seeking this crucial health service. 'Many men dread the rectal exam,' Dr Moses acknowledges, 'but times have changed. A simple PSA blood test is now an initial screening option for men over 40.' More invasive tests are only recommended if initial assessments raise concerns. To combat this silent crisis, men are encouraged to perform regular testicular self-exams and attend annual prostate screenings to detect potential problems early, before they escalate into life-threatening conditions. Hidden threats to health Prostate cancer is not the only concern on the horizon. Men face higher risks of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and mental health disorders. These conditions are often diagnosed too late due to delayed healthcare consultations. Lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, insufficient exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use exacerbate these risks, leading to dire health outcomes. Mental health remains a particularly challenging aspect of men's overall health. Many men are less likely than women to seek help for issues such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. As a result, addiction and suicide rates continue to rise. Furthermore, men fall behind in HIV and TB testing, with a significant number neglecting treatment and precautionary measures, risking their health and the well-being of those around them. 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. 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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. Next Stay Close ✕ A call to change 'It's time to flip the script,' Dr Moses asserts. '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.' Bestmed Medical Scheme encourages men to take small but consistent steps towards better health: Schedule annual health screenings Adopt a balanced diet and exercise regularly Manage stress and mental well-being Stay informed and proactive about health 'When detected early, most health problems are manageable or even reversible. Men, your health matters. Speak up. Show up. Live longer.' Dr Moses concludes, urging men to take charge of their health for themselves and their loved ones. IOL
The Star
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Shake the habit: Lowering salt for better health
Did you know that eating too much salt can have serious health effects? It's estimated that nearly 1.9 million people around the world lose their lives each year due to high sodium intake. Most adults consume more than twice the amount of salt recommended by the World Health Organization - just one teaspoon a day is the limit, but many are going well beyond that without even realising it. As we recognise World Salt Week, from 12 to 18 May 2025, it is important to highlight the benefits of reducing your sodium intake, as well as how you can achieve this and leverage the resources available to stay on top of your health. If not managed correctly, the effects can be detrimental and cause raised blood pressure, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, gastric cancer, osteoporosis, Meniere's disease, kidney disease and could contribute to the development of obesity. Over a decade ago, as a response to managing the high sodium intake among South Africans, South Africa became one of the first countries in the world, and the first country in Africa, to pass regulations on sodium content in processed foods to lower rates of high blood pressure and, in turn, mortality. While from a legislative perspective, the guidelines exist, the problem goes beyond the plate, and it is still up to the individual to take responsibility for their sodium intake. Knowing that high sodium intake manifests into high blood pressure, which perpetuates the risk of more health concerns, underscores that managing your weight and stress, increasing physical activity, and reducing excessive drinking and tobacco use all play a vital role in adopting healthy habits to improve your health. More importantly, for any lifestyle change, we advise seeking advice from a medical professional, who can guide you on how to plot the journey based on your needs, including whether medication may need to be administered. However, if you have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent further chronic illnesses. Additionally, prioritising being part of a medical scheme will not only help you stay up to date with your health, but it can also aid in getting the right treatment as and when needed. Some medical schemes offer members access to one health assessment each year as part of their wellness programme. Over and above that, if you know your diet consists of high sodium and you have other lifestyle-related issues, here are a few symptoms you should be aware of to help you get ahead of high blood pressure: Early morning headaches Nosebleeds Irregular heart rhythms Vision changes Buzzing in the ears As we raise awareness on this important topic, we urge all South Africans, young and old, to take charge of their health. While you make significant changes in the kitchen, investigate what your medical scheme covers you for and how they can support you on your journey to leaving bad habits behind for better health. Dr. Lee Moses: Medical Advisor: Advisory Risk and Quality Management at Bestmed Medical Scheme
