Health at every age

Dr Phuti Pooe gives you guidance on what to ask your doctor at every stage of your life to help you stay on top of your health

- Shannon Manuel

IT ’S BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED THAT MEN are less likely to visit the doctor than women. ‘Men are prone to have very poor health-seeking behaviours and tend to not seek help with difficulties they may encounter regarding their health, often waiting until symptoms or diseases are unbearable before seeking help – this often leads to treatment of diseases when they’re very advanced and recovery is difficult to attain,’ says Dr Pooe, general surgical registrar and resident at Tygerberg Hospital.

‘Creating partnerships with healthcare professionals is the best solution to overcome concerns, fears and insecurities that men have with their health. Waiting until symptoms become acutely painful or otherwise unavoidable isn’t a good health strategy. Men should meet with their primary care doctors to create a checkup schedule tailored to their health and lifestyle. It’s one of many reasons having a relationship with a primary care physician is crucial. Your doctor can create an individualised plan to keep you on the path to good health and avoid serious problems such as hypertension, heart attack or strokes down the line.’

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR INCLUDE: