Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s #MENtion It campaign encourages men to Speak Up about their Health 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. November 12, 2020:  Physicians at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of Mubadala’s network of healthcare providers, has launched the annual men’s health campaign ‘#MENtion It’ to encourage people to have regular check-ups and to see their doctor if they have health concerns. 
 
The initiative, which premiered last year, is seen as a particular priority in 2020, when people around the world have skipped medical appointments or avoided going to hospital because of travel restrictions or the worry caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
A recent study conducted by Cleveland Clinic in the US found that 77 percent men witnessed an increase in stress levels this year, and 59 percent feel that the pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health. 
 
“Men often tend to be more stoic about their health and find it hard to share their concerns or seek help when they are in pain, but what may seem like harmless symptoms at first can lead to bigger health concerns. Seeing a doctor when you have a problem can often be a vital first step, particularly in a year like this one when so many people are facing additional stressors,” says Dr. Waleed Hassen, Chairman of Urology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
 
Doctors are hopeful that the campaign will build on last year’s success in helping men to overcome the perceived stigma around seeking medical advice for urological, prostate, and colon-related concerns.  Activities during the month will include virtual and online seminars offering information about heart health, maintaining an ideal weight through diet and increased physical activity, and reducing bad habits such as smoking.
 
Throughout November, the ‘MENtion It’ campaign will also offer online resources that encourage men in the region to proactively speak up and seek professional advice.  
 
Men and their loved ones can find resources on a range of healthcare issues, tips on leading a healthy lifestyle and inspiring stories about men who took charge of their health at: http://mention-it.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae.
 
Five Reasons Men Should See a Doctor – No Matter How Embarrassing! 
 
Problems urinating – Urinary incontinence, going too often or having difficult in the toilet can be a sign of a prostate condition, such as an enlarged prostate or cancer. 
 
Lump in testicles – A persistent painless lump should not be ignored as it could cause further problems and may be a sign of inflammation, cyst, hernia or cancer. 
 
Weight loss and fatigue – Unexplained weight loss and sudden fatigue can be early signs of other health conditions, such as testosterone deficiency and in some cases cancer.
 
Recurrent respiratory infection – These may sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as lung cancer or a primary immunodeficiency disorder.   
 
Changes in bowel habits – Chronic constipation, bloody or narrow stools and bloating can lead to colorectal cancer if not addressed early.