- Dr. Burhanuddin Hamza on prioritising health and well-being
November is a time when focus often shifts to men’s health awareness – the importance of men’s physical and mental well-being. In Sri Lanka, like in many countries, there is often a disconnect between men’s well-being and seeking medical support.
The Sunday Morning Brunch reached out to Dr. Burhanuddin Hamza, a dynamic doctor and educator, for some insight on the most prevalent health issues facing Lankan men, why so many men don’t seek help, and what kind of mindset shift we need in men’s wellness.
Dr. Hamza’s medical experience covers an exemplary academic record paired with hands-on experience at some of Sri Lanka’s most reputed hospitals, including the Balapitiya Base Hospital, the Galgamuwa Base Hospital, the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, and the National Hospital of Sri Lanka.
As a general physician, his expertise lies in surgery and respiratory medicine. He also privately consults at Vida Medical Clinic and is a Senior Lecturer at the International Medical Campus. Additionally, he also contributes to psychology programmes aimed at understanding human behaviour, guiding young children, and developing early learning programmes at Lincoln University Malaysia.
As a medical professional, one of Dr. Hamza’s most personal goals is building awareness on healthcare and the importance of seeking medical support, something he credits to the many luminary mentors he has studied and learned under, all of whom inspired in him the importance of providing the best medical care possible while making patients as comfortable as possible and giving them all the information and tools they need to make a full recovery.
The challenge of awareness
Awareness doesn’t extend to men’s health alone, but to all aspects. Dr. Hamza shared:
“Proper awareness has always been a concern. For example, I’ve met patients with asthma who use inhalers incorrectly. Even when patients are educated and have access to information, they sometimes get it wrong.”
This extends not just to technique (Dr. Hamza shared that the majority of patients did not use their inhalers properly), but to even the type of inhaler used. “Taking the blue puff, (often called salbutamol or ventolin) has been proven to increase the risk of ICU admission when used on its own, but is still very heavily used,” he observed, noting that just this example alone – asthma, where death was so easily preventable – powerfully illustrated why healthcare awareness was a crucial issue.
The broad health issues of the Lankan man
Globally, the biggest health issues that affect men are heart disease and prostate cancer. In the Lankan context, according to Dr. Hamza, we need to also consider diabetes, hypertension, and mental health.
The Lankan carb-based diet puts all Lankans, not just men, at risk of diabetes. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is also a silent but lethal destroyer. Regarding diabetes and hypertension, Dr. Hamza shared his concerns about the lack of awareness and understanding among patients: “Diabetes and hypertension often go unnoticed by men. These conditions may seem momentary or inconsequential, but the long-term consequences are severe.”
The biggest barrier to men’s health is the sense of gravity that comes with any kind of diagnosis. For example, Dr. Hamza shared that men neglected prostate health because of many societal norms and stigmas surrounding prostate issues, but also because of fear that it could be cancer. He pointed out that many men faced symptoms like hesitancy in urination, but these symptoms did not always mean cancer.
“We must understand,” he said, “that these symptoms could also indicate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition that can be managed with medication. Men need to understand that addressing these concerns promptly can significantly improve their quality of life.”
He highlighted the need for men to be more proactive when it came to their health, especially in terms of prevention. “Preventive healthcare measures, such as routine check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, can go a long way in reducing the risk of these conditions,” he suggested.
Men’s mental health and the importance of acknowledging vulnerability
Mental wellness is an increasingly important aspect of health, and when it comes to men’s health, Dr. Hamza expressed his concerns about the stigma surrounding mental health (not just locally, but also globally) and the impact this had on men who were struggling.
“Mental health is a growing concern, but it is often overlooked due to the societal stigma attached to it, especially the expectation that men should not show vulnerability or seek assistance when facing mental health challenges,” he said. “This stigma can deter men from seeking help when they are experiencing mental health issues.”
Dr. Hamza emphasised that acknowledging vulnerability was not a sign of weakness but a step toward future strength. “It’s essential for men to understand that recognising their vulnerabilities is a sign of courage and an important aspect of self-care,” he added, and this is why it is vital to build more open lines of communication within families.
He noted that many men took on the role of ‘superheroes’ within their households, ensuring that their families were well-provided for, which could often lead to them neglecting their own health. “Men tend to forget about themselves as they focus on their family’s well-being,” he said. “This selflessness is admirable, but it’s equally crucial for men to prioritise their health.”
Breaking the silence surrounding men’s health, especially mental health, is a collective effort, however, and Dr. Hamza encouraged families to engage in open conversations about health and well-being. “It’s essential for family members to create a safe space where men can express their concerns, share their feelings, and seek help when needed,” he emphasised.
Being in sync with body and mind: Looking for warning signs
With men prone to overlook their health, Brunch asked about the important signs to note when it came to detecting a potential underlying issue. Dr. Hamza elaborated on the symptoms and behaviours that men often overlook: “Changes in urination patterns or persistent headaches should not be ignored. These symptoms could be indicative of serious health issues.”
He further highlighted the importance of early detection and intervention, noting that many health conditions, including heart disease and cancer, could be effectively treated if diagnosed early.
When asked about the health symptoms that men commonly overlooked, Dr. Hamza provided a comprehensive list, urging men to pay attention to their bodies and minds:
- Changes in urination patterns, including hesitancy or increased frequency
- Unexplained chest pain, especially during physical activities
- Frequent and persistent headaches
- Feeling constantly fatigued or ‘out of it’
- Unexplained weight loss despite maintaining a regular diet
- Ongoing fevers that men often attempt to self-manage without medical intervention
Dr. Hamza emphasised that these warning signs should not be ignored. “Ignoring such symptoms can lead to serious health complications,” he warned. “Men should never hesitate to seek medical advice when they experience persistent or concerning symptoms.”
The worst thing anyone can do, Dr. Hamza stressed, was put it off by a few days – 99% of the time chest pain could be diagnosed as gastritis-related, but the potential for it to be a more serious heart issue must never be overlooked. It can quite literally be a matter of life or death.
All Lankans need to be more proactive with their health
Dr. Hamza encouraged not just men, but all Sri Lankans to take a proactive approach to their health. “You don’t need to wait for a major health crisis to take action,” he advised. “If there is a family history of a particular condition, or if you have growing concerns about your health, it’s wise to seek medical advice early.”
He cited an example from Canada, where individuals received proactive reminders for health screenings, such as colonoscopies, as they reached a certain age. While noting that Sri Lanka did not yet have the capacity for such systems, he said: “These reminders prompt people to take preventive measures and catch potential health issues early,” adding that being mindful of age and taking a more proactive approach to preventive testing as you aged was key to keeping yourself in good health.
Here too is where there needs to be a shift in mindset – understanding that susceptibility to certain health conditions increases as you age. “Many patients have told me that they had tested themselves 10, 15, or 20 years ago and so they (and I) don’t need to worry,” Dr. Hamza said, noting that this was simply not the case. It is crucial to do preventive tests regularly, since early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.
Dr. Hamza also pointed out that certain tests, such as cholesterol monitoring, could provide essential insights into one’s cardiovascular health and give enough time to prompt necessary lifestyle changes or follow less invasive and surgical methods of treatment.
Healthcare doesn’t have to be intimidating
As November spotlights men’s health, Dr. Hamza’s insights urge us to be proactive. Beyond mere awareness, we must understand and take action. It’s time to dispel health myths, eliminate stigmas around mental health, and prioritise regular check-ups. Health is a universal concern, and one that can literally change lives.
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