AN OVERVIEW OF CRITICAL HEALTH TOPICS FOR MEN DURING THE MEN’S CONVENTION AT GIFT OF LIFE MINISTRIES, 55 FORESTRY ROAD BY NEVIS JUNCTION, BENIN CITY.

 

DATE: SUNDAY 28^TH SEPTEMBER, 2025 (9AM)

PRESENTED BY: DR. BRIGHT ONIOVOKUKOR, MD, BRICACHE MEDICAL RESOURCES

Introduction

At Bricache Medical Resources, we are dedicated to promoting healthier families and communities through:

·        Private Home Care Services: Personalized medical attention and support within the comfort of your home.

·        Health Screening for Families, Individuals, and Groups: Early detection and monitoring of health conditions.

·        Health Awareness and General Consultations: Empowering clients with knowledge and professional guidance for better lifestyle and health decisions.

Clients who wish to register with us or learn more about our services can simply send a WhatsApp message to 08028149600 to receive a registration link.

Health challenges such as stress, hypertension, diabetes, and prostate disorders are increasingly common among men today. Beyond physical causes, these conditions are often linked to emotional strain, financial pressure, work-related stress, and the burden of family responsibilities.

While medical care and personal discipline are vital, emotional and social support play an equally important role in helping men manage illness and maintain mental well-being. Among all sources of support, the wife or partner often stands as the closest pillar of strength — offering comfort, understanding, and motivation during moments of weakness.

A caring partner can influence how a man responds to stress, adheres to medical advice, and recovers from chronic illness. Her encouragement, patience, and empathy can be the difference between despair and determination, between relapse and recovery.

The following section explores the critical role of a wife or partner in helping men navigate stress, illness, and emotional challenges highlighting how partnership, love, and teamwork form the foundation of lasting health and happiness.

 

1. Blood Pressure

What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood throughout the body.

What is hypertension? Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when blood pressure remains consistently elevated. This extra force places undue strain on the heart, arteries, kidneys, and other organs.

Causes

• Genetics: Family history can predispose men to high blood pressure.
• Lifestyle: Diets high in salt and fat, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol misuse.
• Stress: Persistent mental, emotional, or financial stress increases adrenaline and cortisol, which raise blood pressure.
• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, and obesity contribute to hypertension.

Symptoms: Hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms hence the nickname “silent killer.” In severe cases, it may cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or nosebleeds.

Risks: Long-term, uncontrolled hypertension can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and sexual dysfunction.

Management

·        Lifestyle Changes: Healthy eating (low-salt, high-fibre diet), regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, stress control, and limiting alcohol intake.

·        Medication: Doctors may prescribe antihypertensive drugs.

·        Stress Management: Reducing mental pressure and anxiety is essential for maintaining stable blood pressure levels.

2. Diabetes

What is diabetes? Diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin (Type 1) or cannot use insulin effectively (Type 2), resulting in high blood sugar levels.

Causes

• Genetic factors
• Obesity and inactivity
• Unhealthy diet
• Stress: Chronic stress elevates blood sugar levels through hormonal changes, especially cortisol and adrenaline.

Symptoms: Increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and tingling in the hands or feet.

Risks: Complications include heart disease, nerve and kidney damage, vision loss, erectile dysfunction, and depression.

Management

·        Lifestyle: Healthy eating, exercise, and weight control.

·        Medication: Oral drugs or insulin injections.

·        Monitoring: Regular blood sugar and A1C tests.

·        Stress Reduction: Emotional stress can spike blood sugar — hence relaxation, social support, and mental health care are vital.

3. Prostate Cancer

What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells form and grow uncontrollably in the prostate gland.

Risk Factors

·        Age: Risk increases with age (especially after 50).

·        Family History: Genetic links can raise susceptibility.

·        Ethnicity: Higher incidence in African men.

·        Lifestyle: Poor diet, smoking, and sedentary living.

Symptoms: Difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), pain or burning during urination, blood in urine or semen, back or hip pain.

Screening

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) – A doctor checks for prostate abnormalities.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test – Measures PSA levels in the blood.

Treatment: May include surgery, hormone therapy, radiation, chemotherapy, or active monitoring, depending on severity.

Emotional Impact: A diagnosis of prostate cancer can create emotional turmoil, including anxiety, depression, and fear about masculinity or sexual performance. This emotional stress, if unaddressed, can compound physical recovery and family relationships.

4. Stress Management

What is Stress?

Stress is the body’s natural response to challenges or demands. It can be physical (injury, fatigue), emotional (anger, grief), psychological (pressure, anxiety), or social (conflict, financial strain).

Good vs. Bad Stress

·        Good Stress (Eustress): This is positive and motivating such as the drive to meet deadlines, prepare for exams, or perform well in sports or work. It boosts focus, productivity, and energy.

·        Bad Stress (Distress): This is harmful and overwhelming. It occurs when pressure exceeds one’s coping ability. It can lead to anxiety, burnout, insomnia, high blood pressure, and chronic illness.

Types of Stress

1.    Acute Stress: Short-term stress that comes from immediate challenges like arguments, work deadlines, or near accidents. It’s temporary and often subsides once the issue is resolved.

2.    Episodic Acute Stress: When acute stress occurs frequently common among men with high-pressure jobs, financial burdens, or family conflicts. These men often live in a “crisis mode,” constantly anxious and easily irritable.

3.    Chronic Stress: Long-term, ongoing stress resulting from unresolved issues such as financial hardship, marital problems, job insecurity, long working hours, or caregiving responsibilities. Chronic stress is the most damaging and can lead to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and burnout.

Common Causes and Triggers of Stress in Men

·        Economic Pressure: Financial instability, unemployment, debt, or inability to meet family obligations.

·        Workplace Stress: Heavy workloads, unrealistic expectations, toxic environments, or job insecurity.

·        Family Responsibilities: Providing for the family, raising children, or caring for aging parents.

·        Health Challenges: Managing chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, or cancer.

·        Relationship Struggles: Marital conflict, separation, or loneliness.

·        Social Expectations: Pressure to appear strong, successful, and emotionless can make men suppress feelings, worsening stress internally.

·        Lifestyle Imbalances: Lack of sleep, poor diet, excessive alcohol use, and lack of recreation or rest.

 

 

Effects of Stress on Health

·        Physical: Headaches, fatigue, insomnia, muscle tension, weight changes, high blood pressure, and weakened immunity.

·        Emotional: Irritability, anxiety, frustration, or depression.

·        Behavioral: Withdrawal, poor concentration, alcohol or drug abuse, aggression, or loss of motivation.

·        Social: Strained relationships, poor communication, and detachment from loved ones.

Coping and Stress Management Strategies

1.    Exercise: Regular physical activity improves mood, reduces anxiety, and strengthens the heart.

2.    Healthy Diet: Balanced nutrition boosts energy and helps the body handle stress better.

3.    Sleep and Rest: Adequate rest restores the body and mind, helping regulate mood and hormones.

4.    Mindfulness and Relaxation: Deep breathing, meditation, prayer, and yoga calm the mind and promote emotional balance.

5.    Social Support: Talking to trusted friends, family, or counselors reduces emotional burden. Men should not suffer in silence.

6.    Time and Financial Management: Organizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and planning expenses can significantly reduce daily pressure.

7.    Medical or Psychological Help: Seek help when overwhelmed. Professional therapy or stress-management counseling can provide tools for coping.

Key Takeaways

• Prevention and Early Detection: Regular health check-ups and screenings help identify problems early.
• Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and effective stress management protect long-term health.
• Open Communication: Men should speak openly about their struggles — stress, fear, or illness — instead of internalizing pain.
• Balance is Key: Having too much responsibility can cause burnout, while too little activity or purpose can lead to depression and low self-worth. Achieving a healthy balance is vital.

Final Word: Hypertension, diabetes, prostate cancer, and stress are interconnected each can trigger or worsen the others. Economic pressure, family expectations, and workplace stress further compound these issues. However, with awareness, lifestyle adjustments, emotional support, and medical care, men can overcome stress, improve health outcomes, and live balanced, fulfilling lives.

Taking care of your health is not a sign of weakness it is an act of strength, responsibility, and wisdom.