Let’s say you were gifted a Rolls Royce. You know this kind of car can last for 70-odd years if you take good care of it, right?

What’s the likelihood you’d neglect to have it serviced regularly, allow it to run on poor-quality fuel, forget to buy new tyres when needed, or even drive it dirty?

The answer is pretty obvious.

But, while most men take their car to the mechanic for regular servicing, they admit to avoiding going to the doctor for as long as possible, and some even withhold information from their doctor when they do go. This means doctors aren’t able to detect life-threatening issues early, which often results in more serious health problems.

Exacerbating the issue is that men also often grow up with disempowering messages, such as “Don’t be such a sissy” or “If you were strong enough, you wouldn’t need help”, which makes them feel weak when they do want to speak up.

It’s time for change. Men and boys need healthier, more positive and encouraging messages: “You are import- ant, and you are enough” and “It’s okay not to be okay”.

In commemorating Men’s Health Month, we spoke to Dr Mark Opperman, owner of the T-Clinic in Sandton and Dr Mark Aesthetics, about low testosterone, loss of motivation, mental-health conditions, obesity, and lifestyle issues that affect men.

Q: Why is it so important to have testosterone levels checked, and how often does a man need to do this?

A: When we hear the word testosterone, we think about bodybuilders, but testosterone is important for so many things in the body. It plays a role in regulating our mood, and in keeping our muscles and bones strong. It’s important for higher functions, such as motivation, drive and libido. It also helps with energy metabolism, and plays an important role in keeping our cardiovascular system and our kidneys functioning. Finally, testosterone helps to protect us against the development of Type 2 diabetes. I would do a testosterone test once a year, as part of your normal screening process.

Q: What are some of the symptoms of low testoster- one, and what can be done to address the issue?

A: Symptoms of testosterone deficiency are quite easy to recognise. Indications that we usually look at include sexual functioning, a decrease in libido and erectile strength. Also, fatigue and constant tiredness, muscle loss, chronic infec- tions and a loss of motivation can be associated with low levels of testosterone. Treatment for low testosterone levels is complicated, but there are a variety of options, from transdermal preparations, such as creams and patches, to injectable testosterone, which can be short or long-acting. Testosterone forms part of a hormonal cascade, and playing around with test levels can affect other systems. As such, this should be done under the control of an experienced medical practitioner specialising in hormonal- balance optimisation.

Q: Which foods and supplements can help to treat men’s health issues?

A: A diet rich in diversity, with fruit, veggies, meat and legumes, and low in processed food, especially sugar, salt and fat, is essential for a healthy gut. The gut controls all the body’s systems, and this can affect not only your hormones, but also your brain function and your skin, not to mention mental-health issues such as depression and anxiety. Good supplements to take would include zinc (no more than 25mg a day), magnesium, a very good probiotic, omega 3s and vitamin D.

Q: What lifestyle changes can boost men’s health?

A: The new pandemic that has struck the world is obesity and metabolic disease. The incidence of these diseases has more than doubled in the last 20 years, and one in three people are now battling with obesity. Treating metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol levels, hypertension and diabetes forms the cornerstone of having a long, healthy and productive life. Hormone balancing plays an integral role in this. The lifestyle changes that we need to employ are quite simple, and we all know them. Prioritise physical activity. Partake in a diet rich in diverse foods that feed the gut. Ensure good sleep and manage stress. Smoking, excessive use of alcohol and recreational drugs, as well as a sedentary lifestyle, are detrimental to wellbeing and health. Poor lifestyle habits can lead to weight gain, fatigue, a decrease in mental acuity, hypertension, diabetes and cancer.

Bottom line

Your body is your Rolls Royce, and if you take good care of it, it’ll still serve you well when you’re past retirement age. Go for your check-ups, speak to a professional, and when you feel that you need help, don’t think you’re any less of a man for asking for it. If anything, you’re already in a better space than the guy who won’t admit there’s a problem that needs attention.

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Written by LifeAssist