Affinity Health Highlights Men’s Health this June

As a leading medical insurance provider in SA, Affinity Health encourages awareness of preventable health problems in men and the early detection and treatment of diseases.

What are Common Health Issues for Men?

Affinity Health is not just concerned about the wellbeing of mothers, children and senior citizens. Men also face diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and depression.

Many men know how to change a flat tyre, give a firm handshake, build a campfire, shuffle cards, and parallel park. Yet thousands of men worldwide don’t know what they need to do to stay healthy.

June is National Men’s Health Month. It is an excellent opportunity to encourage the men to reflect on their health and learn more about the common health issues they face.

Some men can tell you the exact number of goals their favourite soccer player has scored or how fast their favourite athlete can run. However, not many men know how to crunch the numbers when it comes to diseases, illnesses, and conditions that affect men.

Let’s consider the statistics, shall we?  

• Every year, 450,000 men die from cardiovascular disease.
• Each year, more than 700,000 men are diagnosed with cancer, with 300,000 of those cases resulting in death.
• Every year, 230,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• Approximately 60% of adult men are overweight or obese.
• In 1920, women lived one year longer on average than men. Men now die nearly five years earlier than women on average.
• Many men have untreated mental illnesses. More than half a million men commit suicide globally – one every minute – in what has been dubbed a silent epidemic.

“Men, myself included, often put off health issues and concerns for as long as possible. We don’t listen to our bodies when we feel unwell. We often don’t go for important screening tests, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and prostate health,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“While Men’s Health Week begins on 10th June and ends the 16th, men must take a proactive approach to both physical and mental health. Active steps need to be taken all year round to ensure medical conditions are detected early.”

Affinity Health understands that preventing and controlling male health problems in South Africa is a challenging task.

As a medical health insurance provider, Affinity Health offers members a range of healthcare options. These include Day-to-Day and Hospital plans, annual health screening tests and regular check-ups at a Medical Society facility.

“Addressing your health can be frightening but avoiding it altogether can be fatal. Staying healthy and avoiding health problems are important ways to give your family peace of mind. So, take charge and learn what you can do right now to ensure your best health in the future,” concludes Hewlett.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective, and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.