Helsinki invites middle-aged men to medical inspection

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Health centres in Helsinki are to invite all male residents born in 1966 to a free physical examination in the course of this year.
      The project entitled Kundit kondikseen ("Getting Guys in Shape") is part of the national cardiac programme, which is locally carried out by the City of Helsinki Health Centre and the Helsinki unit of the Finnish Heart Association.
     
The purpose of the inspections is to recognise the risk factors related to living habits and to give the men lifestyle education, as the diseases caused by lifestyle choices are increasing in Finland. These diseases include for example metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes.
      The total number of men in this age group in Helsinki is 4,274. Next year, all men born in 1967 will be invited.
     
Currently, the majority of deaths among working-age adults are still caused by cardiovascular diseases. Seven out of ten people with CVD are men.
      In Helsinki, the average life expectancy of men is now 72.8 years, and of women 80.1 years. In comparison, the estimated average life expectancy of men in the entire country is about 75 years.
     
Compared with other EU countries, Finnish male morbidity puts the nation among the top three countries. Compared with the Mediterranean countries, it is double.
      The costs for cardiovascular diseases are around 20 percent of the overall health care costs in Finland. Moreover, one-third of the work input at the health centres is focused on the care of diseases caused by lifestyle choices. The estimated cost of the planned medical inspection is EUR 11.00 per patient.
      Influencing the lifestyle factors is likely to lead to the prevention of these diseases and to promote general health and well-being.
     
The planned physical examinations are to start with an interview in order to find out the present health condition of each client. Prior to the examination, the men will have their cholesterol and blood sugar levels tested in a laboratory.
      During the exam the weight, the waistline girth, and the blood pressure of each man will be measured. At the same time, their risk of cardiac diseases and type-2 diabetes will be estimated.
      In addition, all willing clients will be offered lifestyle counselling related to a healthy diet, physical activity, the moderate use of alcohol, and smoking, among other factors.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  City of Helsinki Health Centres

Links:
  The Finnish Heart Association

Helsingin Sanomat