For many men, hitting 40 prompts a reality check because their bodies are no longer the sleek machines they were in their 20s.

By Fiona Grieveson
Issue 75 - October 2008

For many men, hitting 40 prompts a reality check because their bodies are no longer the sleek machines they were in their 20s.

Unlike Lester Burnham in the film American Beauty, most 40-year-olds don’t become so neurotic that they take to adolescent obsessions with cheerleaders, bodybuilding, and dope smoking. Nor do they trade in their dependable Toyota Camry for a red 1970 Pontiac Firebird. If they’re sensible, they get an expert to assess the chassis and bodywork for structural wear and tear, and start an ongoing maintenance programme. 

Wake-up Call
Dr Mike Mercer from the International Medical Clinic says that the most common health problems for men in their 40s are heart-related conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. “These are often caused by a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition and smoking,” he says. “Men reach a certain age and realise that their lifestyle is finally taking a toll on their body. Usually, the problems are not advanced, but can become so unless positive changes are made.”

One of the main health risks for men is prostate cancer, and men over 40 who are African American or have a close relative who has been affected by the disease should have annual prostate checks. Checks are also recommended for all men over the age of fifty. “Apart from skin cancers, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer,” Dr Mercer says. “Risk factors include heredity, genetic defects and a diet high in animal fats and low in vegetables. Foods such as tomatoes and soy may reduce the risk.”

Gout is another issue for men, as it tends to develop between the ages of 30 and 45, as opposed to 55 to 70 for women. “Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid that can lead to an accumulation of crystals in the joints or soft tissue,” he explains. “Symptoms include joint pain, warm and swollen joints and a painful swelling at the base of the big toe. Sufferers are usually genetically prone to the disease, although obesity, high blood pressure and diets high in meat or seafood have also been linked to it. Beer, gin and vodka are other recognised factors.”

Drinking too much alcohol is widely recognised as leading to health problems such as liver and kidney disease, certain cancers and gastro-intestinal complications. “Although moderate alcohol can reduce stress and potentially decrease the risk of heart disease, men shouldn’t consume more than two drinks a day,” Dr Mercer says. “A twenty-minute walk is a healthier way to reduce stress.”

In addition to physical issues, hitting 40 can have negative psychological effects. “Although the male menopause, or andropause, is not yet a medically accepted term,” he says, “men do experience a gradual decrease in testosterone and this can lead to decreased general energy and sexual energy, and even impotence. Men can feel depressed by their weight gain, loss of muscle mass, and the realisation that their bodies, and perhaps also cognitive functions, no longer perform quite as well as they used to.

“Many men have spent years putting other priorities first, such as family and work, or have simply become complacent. It is important for men who have ‘let go’ to start taking responsibility for their health. Although staying fit will not be as effortless as it was in their 20s, they will reap the benefits in the long term – both physically and psychologically.”


For more information contact: International Medical Clinic at
1 Orchard Boulevard #14-06 in Camden Medical Centre.
Visit www.imc-healthcare.com or call +65 6733 4440.


Dr Kim Hayes, principal doctor at Body with Soul, agrees that by the time many men turn 40, “they are often suffering from several niggling health issues and realise that they are no longer at their peak. Many have been working long hours, dealing with stress, travelling, eating too much rich food, drinking too much and living a sedentary lifestyle. Around 40, they realise that it’s time to make some changes.”

Pride before a Fall
Although starting a rigorous exercise programme can seem like the obvious way to get fit, Dr Hayes stresses that “Common health problems such as heart conditions, asthma or back pain can be aggravated by the wrong sort of exercise, which is why our sports physician, Dr Ong Wee Sian, assesses a mans general health before advising on a suitable exercise plan.”

Osteopath Paul Bell warns that “The majority of sports-related injuries, such as ankle sprains and tendonitis, are the result of men thinking that they can suddenly start exercising like they did in their 20s. They often attempt too much too soon, and don’t give themselves enough time to build up the necessary strength. It’s better to work on general fitness first, rather than consistently strain one or two parts of the body. Stretching is vital, too – and is much more beneficial when performed after exercise than before.”

Podiatrist Adam Jorgensen agrees, and says that many of his patients are runners. “Running is the number-one form of exercise as it can be done anywhere and it’s good for building general fitness,” he says. “Common problems include heel pain, shin, leg and arch strain, knee pain and flat feet. These are usually caused by wearing the wrong kind of shoes, or worn-out shoes, and can be treated with insoles, arch supports and stretching.”

Adam recommends buying shoes not just for the brand, but for their style and fit. “A good pair of running shoes should cost between $100 and $200, and the best stores have treadmills so that you can try them out. Always buy two pairs and alternate them.”

High-profile events such as the Olympics, the Standard Chartered Marathon and the Half Ironman can encourage men to become over-competitive and to push themselves over the limit. Male pride also plays a part, and Adam and Paul agree that men are often too macho to admit that they are injured.

Triathlons and competitive sports are becoming increasingly popular in Singapore and you can easily overdo things, especially if you are used to training in a different climate.

“In my opinion,” Dr Hayes warns, “ninety percent of men don’t drink enough water, and in Singapore, this can lead to various complications, especially if you are practising sports. My advice is to eat a nutritious diet and to rest properly between exercises. Men can also avoid injuries by remembering that no pain doesn’t necessarily mean no gain!”


For more information, contact: Body with Soul at 44/45 Rochester Park.
Visit www.bodywithsoul.com or call +65 6779 0660.