In June we join in celebrating Men’s Health Month, a national observance aimed at raising awareness about men’s healthcare and wellness. According to the CDC, men die at higher rates from the 3 leading causes of death in the United States (heart disease, cancer, & accidental injury), and on average men die 5 years earlier than women. During Men’s Health Month, we seek to encourage men and boys to practice healthy life choices like eating right, exercising, and seeing their family doctor for check-ups.
Celebrate Men’s Health Month by:
- Eating a Healthy Diet – Set a goal to maintain a healthy diet for June (and beyond). Cut back on junk food, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Add nutritious foods to your diet like vegetables, fruits, and foods high in fiber. Include a variety of protein foods such as lean meats, seafood, nuts, and seeds. If you need help with healthy diet choices contact your family doctor or nutritionist.
- Exercise Daily – Adding even a short stint of physical activity to each day can help to keep you healthy. Daily exercise is also a great way to relieve stress, improve heart health, build muscle, lose fat, and boost energy levels.
- Make an Appointment for Your Annual Check-Up – An annual physical exam serves as a wellness check for you to touch base with your primary care physician, address any health issues and talk about preventative measures for your future. Visiting your doctor for regular preventive care is one of the best ways to identify and treat health issues before they worsen. Depending on your risk factors (age, lifestyle, and family history) your doctor may order a variety of blood tests and other screenings during your annual physical exam. These tests can identify underlying conditions even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, and early detection of illness often leads to more treatment options.
Why Men Should Pay Attention
It’s important for men to pay attention to their health and seek help when needed because men are particularly susceptible to:
Prostate Conditions – Millions of men experience prostate conditions that affect their daily lives including enlarged prostate, cancer, and prostatitis. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in American men and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Tests like PSA screenings and digital rectal exams can increase your chance of survival by finding prostate cancer early.
Certain Cancers – The top 3 types of cancer that most commonly affect men are, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. During your annual wellness appointment, your doctor will tell you when it’s time to get screened and will check for signs of any of these cancers. Colorectal cancer and testicular cancer are often beatable when detected and treated in the early stages, and the earlier cancer is caught, the better the chance of it being treated.
Cardiovascular Disease – Heart disease and stroke are the first and second leading causes of death in men. Your doctor can calculate your risk for cardiovascular disease based on several risk factors including your cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking habits.
Diabetes – Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce or use insulin correctly and can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves. All men should begin regular screening for diabetes around the age of 45, but screening may begin earlier in men who are overweight or have other risk factors for diabetes such as high blood pressure.
Depression – Depression can often go undiagnosed in men because the symptoms don’t always present the way you may expect. Men sometimes experience depression as anger or irritability rather than sadness. They’re also more likely to sweep those feeling under the rug. If you think you are suffering from depression, talk to your healthcare provider. Remember healthcare professionals are trained to help, not judge.
Respiratory Disease – Conditions like lung cancer, COPD, or emphysema interfere with your ability to breathe. While occupational hazards such as exposure to carcinogens contribute to your risk, smoking remains the leading cause of respiratory diseases. If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, talk to your doctor about help.
Alcohol Issues – Alcohol consumption increases your risk for cancer of the throat, mouth, esophagus, liver, and colon. Alcohol interferes with testicular function and hormone production which can result in impotence and infertility. Because excessive alcohol use is linked to risky behavior, it also factors into another risk – accidental injury. Men are more likely to be injured in auto and motorcycle accidents, in addition to home and social incidents.
Many men avoid doctors and hospitals but suffer from preventable diseases and conditions. Regular check-ups and screening tests can spot disease early when it is easiest to treat. Men can take control of their health with a healthy lifestyle that includes: a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, reducing stress, moderating alcohol consumption, and visiting the doctor regularly.
Take control of your health today by calling River Bend Medical Associates for an annual health exam. As part of your medical team, we are here to provide you with the best care in all aspects of your health care needs. For more information on our medical practice, or to make an appointment contact River Bend Medical Associates, or call 916-392-4000.
