Latest news with #ApolloHealthoftheNation2025
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Why Men Shouldn't Skip That All-Important Health Check
When was the last time you had a health check? If you're like most Indian men, the answer might be 'never' or 'I was forced to'. Truth: Serious health conditions are quietly brewing in many men — and showing up far earlier than they used to. Non-communicable diseases are now hitting Indian men in their 30s and 40s, not in their late 50s (as most believe). The scariest part? Many of these issues have no symptoms in the early stages. Fortunately, a comprehensive health check that goes beyond the basics and offers advanced testing can make a difference. Here are a few NCDs that affect men primarily, and the latest tests available: 1. Heart Disease Even if you feel perfectly fine, your heart may feel otherwise. Men aged 45+ are 28% more likely to have heart disease than women of the same age. According to the Apollo Health of the Nation 2025 report, of the 3,000+ people (with no history of heart issues) evaluated for heart health, 58% had no symptoms. Of these, 46% had calcium deposits in their heart arteries — an early sign of atherosclerosis (heart blockage). 2.5% of these were under 40. What to do: Go beyond ECG and cholesterol. There are more advanced tests like Apolipoprotein A1 & B, high-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, and Coronary Calcium Scoring with low-dose CT (which measures plaque deposits). Mental health issues are often overlooked in men. A good health check should include screening for anxiety and depression, both of which directly affect physical health. 2. Fatty Liver Fatty liver is no longer an alcoholic-only health concern. With the rise in obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver is now common among men. The report showed that of 2.5 lakh people screened, 65% had fatty liver, but 52% of them had normal liver enzymes. What to do: Blood tests are not enough. Always include an abdominal ultrasound. For higher risk individuals, ask for a FibroScan to check for liver stiffness and early scarring. 3. Vitamin D and B12 Deficiency You may not expect it, but 82% of men were found to be Vitamin D deficient, and 38% had low B12. These deficiencies, thought to affect women typically, can lead to tiredness, poor bone health, memory issues, and nerve damage. What to do: Choose a health check that includes a vitamin panel. 4. Cancers Men are at higher risk for certain cancers, especially lung, oral and prostate cancers. Indian men tend to be diagnosed younger, often in their 50s, and late detection affects treatment success. What to do: If you're a smoker (past or present), a low-dose CT is preferred for early lung cancer detection. For men above 50, a PSA test is mandatory. Regular oral cavity screening is key for tobacco users. Final Thought Waiting for symptoms to show up is like waiting for the fire alarm after your house has already burnt down. What you need is not just a routine health check, but one that looks deeper — with latest blood tests, advanced imaging, and assessment for mental health, sleep and cognitive function! Choose wisely. Have questions for our doctors? WhatsApp us at 89392 83283 or email us at sincerelyyourdoctor@ with your name, city and query. 'A Preventive Healthcare Initiative by Apollo ProHealth and The Hindu'
The Hindu
13-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
What Every Man Should Know About Stress & Burnout
Burnout is more than just tiredness — it's physical and emotional collapse from prolonged stress, often linked to work, responsibilities, or emotional strain. A 2024 FICCI-BCG report states 58% of Indians experience burnout and workplace exhaustion, much higher than the global average of 48%. For men, who are often less likely to talk about mental fatigue, burnout often goes unnoticed until real damage is done. Stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline — hormones that generally prepare the body for a 'fight or flight' response. But when stress is constant, the body stays in survival mode. Physical Fallout: From Immunity to Heart Health Chronically high cortisol levels suppress white blood cells, which weakens immunity, increases the risk of infections, and slows recovery. Stress also disrupts inflammation control, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and heart disease. According to the Apollo Health of the Nation 2025 report, in the 40-55 age group, 31% of men are hypertensive, 28% are diabetic and 73% are overweight/obese (based on 4.5 lakh health checks). Chronic stress is one of the key drivers of these NCDs, along with inactivity, smoking, alcohol and poor sleep. The gut takes a hit too. Stress increases acidity, slows digestion, and alters gut bacteria — leading to bloating, indigestion, and ulcers. In a 2024 study, over 70% of Indian men with irritable bowel syndrome reported a stressful life event, with 60–80% facing chronic stressors. Mental Health, Sleep, and Anger The brain too is particularly vulnerable to long-term stress. Cortisol impairs the hippocampus (linked to memory) and prefrontal cortex (which governs focus and judgement). The result: forgetfulness, poor decision-making, and mental fatigue. One clinical sign of stress is poor sleep. According to Health of the Nation report, 28% (age 40-55) and 68% (>55) of men were at high risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), a condition strongly linked to stress, weight gain and poor sleep. OSA worsens mood, productivity, and heart health. Chronic stress also fuels emotional issues like irritability, frustration, and even rage. This can impact relationships, performance at work, and emotional resilience. According to NCRB 2022 data, over 1,20,000 men died by suicide, accounting for 70% of the total suicide cases in the country. Family-related issues, illness, and relationship issues were ranked among the top three drivers. The Hidden Risk: Shortened Lifespan One of the most concerning and lesser-known consequences of chronic stress is its effect on cellular ageing, particularly through telomere shortening. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes. While shortening of the telomeres is a normal part of ageing, chronic stress accelerates this shortening. Shorter telomeres mean cells can no longer divide effectively. They enter a state called senescence — a kind of biological retirement where the cell is alive but no longer functioning properly. Senescent cells release inflammatory chemicals, contributing to NCDs. Men are often conditioned to 'tough it out' but ignoring stress can cost dearly. Burnout is a warning signal you don't want to ignore. My final advice: Take time for rest, seek professional help, exercise, eat healthy, and do your annual health check. Have questions for our doctors? WhatsApp us at 89392 83283 or email us at sincerelyyourdoctor@ with your name, city and query. 'A Preventive Healthcare Initiative by Apollo ProHealth and The Hindu'
