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. Whether it is out of fear of finding out something is wrong or feeling discomfort, men missing general screenings and checkups 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 preventative 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 of your core cardiac muscles and organs, such as your heart, aorta and ventricles. Monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol and heart health are all crucial in caring for your cardiovascular system. 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.
Prostate Screening
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men in the U.S., not including skin cancer. If you have a family medical history of prostate cancer, it is best to be screened sooner than the suggested age of 50. Read more about prostate cancer.
Colon Screening
Colon and rectal cancers are one of the fastest growing cancer diagnoses in young men and women. 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. In fact, they double the amount of binge drinking. Constant alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cancer within the liver, colon, mouth and throat. It can also affect your sexual health as it can lead to infertility. Read more about liver disease.
HIV and AIDS
Speak with your health care provider about your sexual health and regularly checking in on it. Of those infected with HIV, men make up 76 percent. 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. Learn more about Hepatitis prevention and testing from UofL Health – UofL Hospital Hep C Center.
Reproductive System
As men age, the chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction or testicular cancer increase. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, talk with your health care provider about your options of treatment.
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 a number of 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. If you or someone is in need of emergency psychiatric care, you can visit any of our seven ER locations or UofL Health – Peace Hospital Assessment and Referral Center for a no-charge assessment 24/7 at 502-451-3333 or 800-451-3637. Walk-ins welcome.
Need to catch up on your screenings and checkups? Contact one of our 165 primary care providers to schedule an appointment on the UofL Physicians – Primary Care website today, or by calling 502-588-4343.