Top health conditions that men in Cosmo City are suffering from
10 July 2019: Dr Tokelo Ramakhula, who is the GP at Esizayo Clinic in Cosmo City, says that the top conditions affecting men in the area are elevated blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, sexual dysfunction, anxiety and depression.
“Some of my patients are battling more than one of these,” Dr Ramakhula explains. “The good news is that these conditions can be treated. The bad news is that these conditions can cause serious health problems if they are not diagnosed early and treated correctly.”
“Worryingly, many men who are living well with HIV and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) are developing these conditions,” says Dr Ramakhula.
“We are here to help men and provide medication when this is necessary, guide them with eating plans and exercise routines and refer them to the right specialists should this be required. The main thing is for men not to feel alone. There is support, and they should not be ashamed to seek help.”
Esizayo Clinic is located on the corner of Malibongwe Drive and Tennessee Avenue in Cosmo City and operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8am – 4pm and on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7am and 7pm. It is open every second Saturday of the month from 8am to 12pm. To contact the clinic, call (010) 493 6950.
Dr Ramakhula provides more information on these conditions:
“Elevated blood pressure, also called hypertension often has no symptoms until the blood pressure is dangerously high. This is why it is often called the ‘silent killer’. When blood pressure increases symptoms can include dizziness, headache or nausea. It can be treated with medication, but lifestyle changes are also vital to manage this condition properly.
Dr Tokelo Ramakhula
“Diabetes is caused by having too much glucose in the blood. Symptoms can include increased thirst and frequent urination, blurred vision, tiredness or cuts that don’t heal properly. Diabetes can be treated with medication and patients need to be very strict about eating healthily and exercising regularly.
“Obesity is diagnosed when a patient’s body mass index or BMI is 30 or higher. We calculate it by dividing the patient’s weight in kilograms by their height. The danger of obesity is that it often leads to other serious health problems. Even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity.
“Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue it can cause stress, affect self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment.
“Anxiety and depression amongst my male patients are often related to unemployment. This is a complicated situation for a man, but at Esizayo Clinic we can provide support, medication is an option, and if necessary, we will refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist.”
“Currently, immunisation for babies is not included in the medication supplied as part of our fee. However, we are working at making these available at affordable prices. Earlier this year, we were able to introduce antiretroviral treatment (ART) in our medicines offering,” concludes Dr Ramakhula.
Esizayo Clinic will be running a winter and spring special from 1 July to 30 September 2019 when patients will pay R300 for a consultation with a doctor or nurse, screening, testing and medication.
ENDS