In June we turn our attention to a topic often overlooked and under-discussed in public life – men's health and prevention worldwide. Men's Health Week is here to remind us, motivate us, and encourage us not to separate women's and men's health, and to treat the stronger sex with the same responsibility when it comes to attention to personal health and prevention.
Our co-founder Pavel Tonov met with fitness trainer Kiril Raykov at the gym to talk more about the topic, with Kiril sharing examples and advice from his practice and from the clients he has worked with.
Preventive check-ups can protect against complications
Pavel: Is there an age at which preventive check-ups should begin, and which doctors should be visited first?
Kiril: In my opinion, prevention should start at the age of 20, with some blood tests, because nowadays everyone is interested in everything but doesn't know what's in their own blood.
Kiril also shared that there is currently a widespread deficiency of vitamins and minerals among young people, pointing to vitamin D as the most affected. With blood tests once a year from an early age, a person gets used to giving at least the bare minimum of care to their health, and to reading indicators and symptoms. As the years go by, of course, one moves on to real preventive check-ups, which are important not to skip, because a small symptom today can turn into a serious problem years later if it isn't addressed in time.
You can watch the full conversation with Kiril Raykov on our YouTube channel here.
What are the most commonly found health problems in men?
Due to differences between the sexes, men and women are predisposed to different health conditions and diseases as they age, and depending on the lifestyle they lead. Among the most common problems found in middle-aged and older men are cardiovascular diseases. According to a study conducted in the US, 50.8% of the men tested have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or take medication to lower it.
Kiril also shared a similar trend with us, pointing out the conditions that he and his colleagues most often notice in their practice:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Deficiencies of essential micronutrients
- Insulin resistance
- Metabolic syndromes
Prevention and check-ups can protect a man's health
Without putting everyone in the same box, a stereotype about men is that they don't visit the doctor until certain symptoms start interfering with their daily lives. Often, when something starts to hurt, it means the problem has worsened and it's time for a timely response. Blood tests in younger men, followed by regular preventive check-ups of certain groups of organs, could really inform a man about his state of health and point him toward what to focus on improving. This, of course, also applies to women, but (again stereotypically) women often take care of their physical and mental health more, and more often.
Mental health matters just as much as physical health
Logically, we can't avoid this topic, since today, if we don't actively take care of it, it can also affect our physical condition. Studies conducted in the UK show that 77% of men report experiencing symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, or depression, yet a significant portion of them avoid discussing them, and 40% never talk about it at all. This statistic is truly alarming, because in our fast-paced world, our mental health is what helps us “catch our breath” and take a break from constant stress and pressure.
Often, because of stereotypes about their gender, men don't feel comfortable sharing, seeking help, or working through their emotions and stress management.
“The mind and the body work hand in hand, and a deficiency in one element can affect the mind, and vice versa,” Kiril added on the topic, urging men to open up, to turn to a psychologist when needed, or simply to talk to someone close to them. Because shutting yourself off can only lead to harmful habits, panic attacks, and the development of other, more serious health conditions.
Collagen isn't just for women
Collagen, marketed mainly as a supplement for the beauty and health of the skin, hair, and nails, is seen by many as a “women’s protein” – which, of course, is absolutely not the case. Yes, women tend to take more care of their appearance, with support both from the outside and from within, in the form of supplements.
Collagen, however, is a protein found in both the female and male body. Yes, there are differences in the amounts and saturation, but it is an essential component of the skin, muscles, joints, tendons, gut, hair, and nails in everyone.
Since it starts to deplete after around the age of 25, many women begin taking it mainly because of the outward signs – drier skin, more fine lines, thinner hair, brittle nails. But with an ongoing lack of sufficient collagen in the body, we can start to feel discomfort in performing everyday activities. The joints aren't sufficiently supported, muscles don't recover well, and can therefore heal more slowly. Whey protein isn't the same as collagen. Yes, both are proteins, but they differ in amino acid composition and in some of their benefits. Find out more about the differences between them here.
Men's Health Week is here to remind us to take daily care of ourselves and not to ignore what our body tells and shows us. Because a timely response saves lives. Regardless of gender.
