While a world of information is available at everyone’s fingertips, men are still far behind when it comes to taking care of their health. Women are 33% more likely to seek medical care than men.
Whether it is out of fear of finding out something is wrong or feeling discomfort, if men miss general screenings and checkups, this can have adverse or sometimes deadly consequences to their health. Men with a family history of medical complications should be screened and checked out sooner as a preventive measure to minimize the risk of developing diseases or conditions.
Don’t know where to start? Below are a few screenings and conditions to speak with your health care provider about incorporating into your health care plan.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease impacts all your core cardiac muscles and organs, such as your heart and blood vessels. According to the American Heart Association, you should be regularly checked by your health care provider as one in three men have some form of cardiovascular disease. Monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol and heart health are all crucial in caring for your cardiovascular system and play a crucial role in avoiding heart attacks and strokes.
Prostate Screening
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men, besides skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Once you are in your forties, you should start the discussion with your health care provider about screening for prostate cancer. If you have a family medical history of prostate cancer or any urinary symptoms, this is something that should not be ignored. Read more about prostate cancer.
Colon Screening
Colon and rectal cancers are among the fastest growing cancer diagnoses in young men and women. For those at average risk, screening for colon cancer should begin at age 45. For certain groups and those with a family history of colon cancer, this age may be younger.
As with any condition or disease, the sooner cancer can be found, the easier and quicker it can be treated. Getting a colonoscopy will also decrease the risk of death from colon cancer. Read more about what to expect during your colonoscopy.
Substance Abuse
Compared to females, males are more frequently hospitalized and experience alcohol-related deaths. Males are also more likely to binge drink.
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of multiple medical issues including cancer and liver disease. It can also affect your sexual health as it can lead to infertility. Read more about liver disease.
Sexual Health
Speak with your health care provider about your sexual health and getting screened for sexually transmitted infections or HIV if needed.
Hepatitis B is also something to speak with your health care provider about as men who have sex with other men are at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis B and C. Don’t hesitate to talk to your physician about options such as vaccines and medications to help reduce the possibility of contracting these diseases. Learn more about hepatitis prevention and testing from UofL Health – Hep C Center.
As men age, the chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction can increase as well. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, talk with your health care provider about your treatment options.
Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Health
It is recommended that people participate in 150 minutes per week of moderately intense activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity. This should include some sort of muscle-building activity or resistance training.
The benefits go well beyond weight control and strength. These include disease prevention (such as heart disease, stroke, many forms of cancer and diabetes), improved mood and enhanced cognitive function.
Regular exercise can strengthen bones and muscles, improve sleep and boost energy levels. In older adults, it can reduce fall risk, improve bone health and help people live independently longer.
As we age, our abilities to exercise obviously change. While aches and soreness are expected, you should seek care if you feel pain or your activity is limited.
UofL Health – Sports Medicine has primary care physicians and athletic trainers who have specialty certification in sports medicine, which gives them unique knowledge to address a wide variety of health conditions and prevention for athletes. Click here to see all our Sports Medicine locations.
Mental Health
Everyone has their own personal experiences with mental health that won’t mirror the next person’s. Most men are reluctant to open up about how they feel or acknowledge the emotions they are experiencing. This can be due to several reasons, including the stigma of being the “tougher” sex or fear of being bullied or shunned by peer groups.
As a result, men are unfortunately more successful with their suicide attempts. You are not alone!
If you don’t have anyone in your personal circle to speak with, contact UofL Physicians – Psychiatry at 502-588-4450. If you or someone you know is in need of emergency psychiatric care, you can visit any of our seven Emergency Departments or the UofL Health – Peace Hospital Assessment and Referral Center for a no-charge assessment 24/7 at 502-451-3333. Walk-ins are welcome.
Need to catch up on your screenings and checkups? Contact one of our primary care providers to schedule an appointment on the UofL Physicians – Primary Care webpage today, or call 502-588-4343.
