Men tend to be notorious for not worrying about their health. Aches, pains and discomfort becoming something to power through. They don’t want to go see a doctor and health what’s wrong, but more and more, the health community is learning that preventative care can go a long way to helping improve quality of life and catching disease while there is still time for treatment.
The month of June marks Men’s Health Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of preventable disease and encourage early detection and treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, men lived longer than women by an average of one year back in 1920. Today, the average woman lives six years longer than the average man. Women are also 100% more likely than men to visit their doctor for regular health screenings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, men die at higher rates of the top 10 causes of death than women and are much more likely to suffer death in the workplace.
Men’s health month is also an opportunity for women to play a role in helping the men in their lives take charge of their health. Talk to your husband, brother, father, grandfather or uncle about his health. When was the last time he had his blood pressure checked? Has he talked to his doctor about being screened for conditions like prostate or colon cancer?
Men’s Health Network provides the following maintenance schedule for men as a reminder of your need to take responsibility for your health. Regular checkups and age-appropriate screenings CAN improve your health and reduce premature death and disability. You should consult your healthcare provider to discuss if this screening schedule is appropriate for you. Also, ask about the benefits of earlier screenings, especially if you are a member of a high risk group or have a family history of disease. Men’s health checkups and screenings include:
· Physical exam: every 3 years from ages 20-39, every 2 years from ages 40-49 and every year after 50 years old
· Blood pressure: Every year from ages 20 and up
· Blood tests and urinalysis: Every 3 years from ages 20-39, every 2 years from ages 40-40, and every year after 50 years old
· Rectal exam (screens for hemorrhoids, rectal problems, and colon/prostate cancer): Every year from age 20 and up
· PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test: Every year after 50 years old
· Colonoscopy: Every 3-4 years after 50 years old
· Testicle self-exams: Monthly by self from age 20 and up
· Bone health: Discuss with a provider after age 60
· Testosterone screening: Discuss with a provider after age 40
This month, take time to show the men in your life you care. Men, take time to show everyone in your life you care about them by taking care of yourself. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the doctor for a check-up, pick up the phone and schedule a visit. Every man that visits LCHC Medical Clinic or Humeston Medical Clinic in the month of June will receive a free gift.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call LCHC Medical Clinic at 641-774-8103 or Humeston Medical Clinic at 641-877-8502 or visit us online at lchcia.com .