Demographic data show that there are over 50 million Kenyans, about 35% of whom are men over the age of 25. And most of these men, 90%, can read and write. This means they are well-informed and able to make rational and sound decisions.
But there are depressing statistics about Kenyan men. A woman’s life expectancy is only her 60 years, whereas the woman’s life expectancy is her 65 years.
Therefore, the majority of Kenyan men are expected to die in the prime of life. Why is this?
Determining life expectancy is complex and involves the interaction of many factors. Life expectancy calculations include high childhood mortality and mortality from infectious and non-communicable diseases. All depend on the availability and access of public and private health services.
As such, it is easy to surmise that Kenyan men can make a significant contribution to improving their own health and longevity.
Lifestyle choices contribute significantly to general health. Much has already been said about smoking, illicit drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, drunk driving and sedentary lifestyles. A quick look at the county trends reveals men’s health. Walk into a restaurant or pub and you might be confronted with a group of men guzzling a pint of alcoholic beverages.
And with the inevitable accompaniment of sizzling roasts of available meats. Their waistlines give it all. What about beer bellies and fat-laden skin? Ignore the no smoking sign. Worse, most people get into their cars and drive under the influence. If you’re lucky enough to get home unscathed, you’ll probably sleep the next day instead of working out and burning calories.
The spread of infectious diseases cannot be avoided. Casual, unprotected sex sustains an indiscriminate incidence of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Men, compared to women, are known to ignore symptoms of illness rather than seek prompt medical advice.
In a general sense, men are at increased risk of cardio-metabolic disease, infections, and all other avoidable lifestyle-related conditions. Needless to say, the risk of
Is there a way out? Aside from a sex change, there’s not much a man can do to change his testosterone status. But lifestyle changes are certainly within the reach of most people. You should eat healthier, exercise more, enjoy safer sex, and make healthier choices overall.
Dr. Alfred Murage is a consultant gynecologist and fertility specialist. [email protected]
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