Health professionals say preventive care could be the most important gift fathers give themselves and their families.

Father’s Day is often marked by tributes to men who provide and protect their families, but many quietly neglect their own health.

While they plan work and family responsibilities carefully, routine medical check-ups are often delayed, with many assuming they are healthy if they feel fine, despite serious illnesses developing without symptoms. Health experts are using the occasion to urge men to prioritise preventive care, noting that looking after one’s health is a responsibility, not a weakness.

Nairobi-based physician Dr Maxwell Banda says men are generally less likely than women to seek routine medical attention.

“Many men only come to hospital when symptoms become severe. Unfortunately, conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, prostate disease, and heart problems can develop silently for years. Regular check-ups help us detect these illnesses early, when they are easier to manage,” he says.

Health professionals say men often ignore key health screenings despite their importance.

At the top of the list is blood pressure testing, often called the “silent killer” because it can develop without symptoms while damaging the heart, kidneys and brain. If left untreated, it raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Doctors recommend at least annual blood pressure checks for adults.

Dr Banda says fear is often one of the biggest barriers preventing men from seeking medical attention.

“There is a common mind-set of ‘I’ll be fine’ or ‘I’ll go next month’, the problem is that some diseases don’t wait. Early diagnosis can save lives,” he explains.

For 52-year-old father John Olima, that warning became reality. Despite repeated encouragement from his wife, he spent years postponing routine health examinations.

“I always felt healthy,” says John. “I was busy with work and family responsibilities. Every time my wife suggested a check-up, I would tell her I would go next time.”

For 56-year-old Joseph Sitati, fear rather than time kept him away from the doctor’s office.

“My friends kept talking about prostate screening, but I didn’t want to hear about it,” he admits with a laugh. “I convinced myself that because I felt fine, there was no reason to get checked.”

After months of encouragement from his children, Joseph finally scheduled a medical review.

“The tests showed everything was okay, and the relief was enormous. What surprised me most was how simple the process was. I had spent years worrying about something that took less than an hour.”

Today, he encourages fellow fathers to prioritise preventive healthcare.

Prostate screening is also often avoided due to fear or misconceptions. Tests such as the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) can help detect prostate problems early, when treatment is most effective.

Colorectal cancer screening is equally important but frequently neglected. Tests such as the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) or colonoscopy can detect precancerous growths before they become life-threatening. Doctors generally recommend starting screening between ages 45 and 50.

Another commonly overlooked test is cholesterol screening (lipid profile). High cholesterol can build up silently in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. Men are advised to check their levels every five years, or more often if recommended by a doctor.

Diabetes screening is also vital. Type 2 diabetes can develop silently for years, but regular blood glucose or HbA1c tests can identify early warning signs and allow for timely lifestyle changes to prevent complications.

Mental health assessments are also increasingly recognised as a critical component of men’s healthcare. Chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression can affect both mental and physical well-being.

As families reflect on the meaning of Father’s Day, perhaps one of the most valuable gifts fathers can give themselves and their loved ones is a commitment to their own well-being.