Preventive health checks for men
Although more men than women are born in Poland, there are already more than 150 women for every 100 men over age 65. Polish women live a longer healthy life and reach a more senior age than do men. Specialists suggest a few reasons for this: women take more care of their health than men, attend medical appointments more often and are more willing to get themselves checked. In contrast, men put off going to the clinics until something is apparently wrong with them.
Experts stress that the health of Polish men is not the best, and that they could live much longer and in better shape if it were not for an unhealthy diet, stimulants, lack of physical activity, and avoidance of preventive checkups[2].
“There’s a lot of debate that men would be healthier if it weren’t for the perception that going to doctors and getting regular checkups is a sign of weakness. In addition, doctors’ insights show that men are less disciplined when it comes to taking medications, sticking with treatment or following health recommendations. It’s also much more difficult to get through to them with preventive actions, as they often don’t see any need to get checked up if they feel great,” says Edyta Jacyna, Medical Consultant Area Director at TU Zdrowie.
Doctors recommend that every Polish adult, regardless of gender, have a basic blood and urine test and check blood pressure at least once a year. While women should remember to have regular PAP tests and breast self-examination, men should also examine their testicles on their own, and take a PSA test, i.e. a test for early detection of prostate cancer, after the age of 40.
“In our experience, unfortunately, many people avoid preventive checkups, even if they have good access to them, either as part of government plans or as part of employee medical packages. In fact, it’s men who most often make excuses for lack of time or don’t see the need to do so because they feel strong and healthy. This is where employers come to the rescue, taking advantage of the opportunity to invite medical specialists to the office or workplace. It turns out that this form of disease prevention is very popular because as soon as the employer provides a list of sign-ups for examinations, it fills up in just a few minutes,” adds Edyta Jacyna.
Preventive screenings in the workplace
As part of the preventive examinations at workplaces carried out by NEUCA’s “Świat Zdrowia” Medical Centers, it is possible to undergo blood and urine tests, as well as preliminary diagnostics with specialized apparatus. They include lung and bronchial function tests, ECGs, skin screening for melanoma, thyroid, abdominal and testicular ultrasounds (plus breast ultrasound for women). In addition, employees can have their vitamin D, glucose, cholesterol and TSH parameter levels determined at the workplace.
“The package of examinations provided at the workplace is tailored each time to the needs of specific groups of employees, the type of work they do, and whether there is a majority of men or women in particular companies. In addition to the examinations, employees also receive educational materials, and can attend webinars on diet, mental health, cancer prevention or cardiovascular disease. They also receive special health packets, which, depending on their needs, may include, for example, vitamins or dietary supplements,” says Edyta Jacyna.
The “Świat Zdrowia” Medical Centers have already screened more than 3,000 employees at work, and as a result of these activities, last year alone as many as 35% of those screened were found to have elevated blood sugar levels, and 33% of those screened were referred for further diagnostics for melanoma.
Preventive examinations at work are provided without referral. TU Zdrowie policyholders who have been referred for further diagnostics as part of their examinations enjoy the benefits of their health policy. In addition to access to specialists, they can access health plans offered by TU Zdrowie, including but not limited to, the “My Nutritionist” and “My Oncologist” plans. As part of the plans, TU Zdrowie provides comprehensive specialist care, a package of necessary tests and the assistance of a medical consultant who supports the patient in the process of diagnosis and treatment.
[1] Wojtyniak B, Goryński P. Sytuacja zdrowotna ludności Polski i jej uwarunkowania 2022. Wyd. NIZP PZH, 2022
[2] https://kongreszdrowiamezczyzn.pl/
