adminKUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) — Men are advised to be proactive about their health by undergoing basic screenings as early as their 20s to detect and address disease risks.
National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) Subfertility Expertise Centre senior assistant director Dr Ahmad Zaki Asraf said health screenings should not be done only when symptoms appear or at 40.
“As early as our 20s, we can start basic checks, monitor body weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, and choose a healthy diet with less sugar and salt,” he said in the second season of the KASIH Lensa Keluarga Podcast titled ‘Lelaki Budiman: Sihat Sepanjang Hayat’.
Commenting on the importance of age-appropriate screenings, Dr Ahmad Zaki said men in their 40s need to pay more attention to their health because chronic diseases cause complications if not detected and treated early.
He said for those aged 60 and above, complications from unmanaged or unprevented diseases could cause a decline in functional health, including heart, vision, and hearing problems and affect family relationships.
Meanwhile, he said overweight and obesity should not be taken lightly, as they affect hormonal balance, sexual health, male fertility, and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
“In treatment, the first step is neither medication nor surgery but lifestyle modifications including weight management, diet, exercise, adequate rest, sleep, and managing emotions and marital harmony,” he said.
Dr Ahmad Zaki said prolonged work stress, lack of sleep, unhealthy eating, and a sedentary lifestyle create a negative cycle that leaves men exhausted, less inclined to exercise and prone to weight gain, which can strain marital relations.
He added that male health and fertility should be addressed earlier because lifestyle and overall health play a crucial role in the well-being of men and their partners.
Dr Ahmad Zaki said LPPKN provides health and fertility screenings for men, including blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, body mass index (BMI), semen analysis, and infectious disease screenings, through its Men’s Wellness Clinic services at seven locations nationwide.
“The earlier, the better, because we want couples and men to undergo screenings early to identify root causes of problems and assist with treatment,” he said.
— BERNAMA
