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Ladies do you have a time getting your guy to go to Dr. appointments? Guys, why is that?
Tomorrow (June 20th), is wear blue for Men’s Health Awareness. Get your blue on to raise awareness by encouraging men to go for regular exams. Wear Blue and Men’s Health Week are sponsored by the Men’s Health Network.
Men are less likely to seek medical help. They handle stress differently. This may lead to substance abuse and a shorter life expectancy.
Many conditions can be avoided with preventative care. There are screenings to catch concerns early. These are covered by health insurance. All that is required is to make the appointment and go for the screening.
Health issues like coronary heart disease, lung cancer, HIV infection, and Parkinson’s disease are more common in men than women.
And now we have COVID-19.
Preventative Screenings
These depend on your age group and other factors. Vaccines or blood test may be done together in one visit.
- Immunizations update annually
- Eye Exam (Glaucoma) annually
- Dental Exam (includes cleaning 2x annually)
- Physical exam annually
- Blood Pressure Screening annually
- Cholesterol Screening every 5 years after 40
- Diabetes every 3 years after 40
- Colorectal Cancer Screening every 10 years at 50
- Prostate Cancer Screening at 50
- Testicular Exam
- Lung Cancer Screening at 55 smokers
- Skin Cancer Screening annually
Heart
Heart disease (coronary artery disease) is the # 1 cause of death for men in the US. Heart disease affects all races about the same. One half the men that suffered sudden death showed no symptoms before.
You can reduce your risk for heart disease by not smoking, limiting alcohol and knowing your blood pressure. Also eat a healthy diet and lowering your cholesterol. Finding healthy ways to reduce stress.
Prostate
Health issues, like erectile dysfunction (ED) and issues with the prostate are unique to men. About 30 million American men may have ED, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate problem for men older than age 50.
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia is a condition in men when the prostate enlarges. It is not cancerous (benign). As it grows, the prostate puts pressure on the urethra.
This may cause the bladder to weaken and not have the ability to empty totally.
Other Prostate Conditions
Acute bacterial prostatis often starts from an infection. If you experience fever, chills and pain with prostate symptoms see your DR. ASAP. This can be cured with antibiotics. And you will need meds for the pain and discomfort.
Chronic bacterial prostatis, this comes back repeatedly. It is rare and harder to treat.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause ED. It raises the risk for heart disease and can present problems with your eyes, kidneys and skin.
ED can result from stress, smoking or taking certain medications. It can be a symptom of other issues, such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, circulatory and nervous system conditions.
Early Diabetes Symptoms
- Frequently urinating
- Unusual fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Lose of weight
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
Stroke
Men are more likely to have a stroke. Recognizing the symptoms can save a life. Every second counts.
Eyes: having trouble with vision in one eye or both
Face, arms and legs: suddenly having partial paralysis on one side
Stomach: vomiting or being sick
Body: feeling fatigue or difficulty breathing
Head: no known cause brings on a severe headache
Legs: suddenly dizzy, loss of balance or not walking well
Skin Cancer
I have a couple posts on Melanoma, skin cancer and sun damage. It is important; if you have been a sun worshiper, work outdoors, are involved in sports or activities that are outside that you get a Skin Cancer Screening annually.
You have to know your skin and keep on top of changes. Melanoma kills. Other skin cancers may not be as aggressive but can do damage. Sun damage can be bothersome and annoying.
HIV
HIV the virus that causes AIDS is in the blood and other body fluids of infected people. It spreads through contact of the body fluids with mucous membranes or a break in the skin.
With medication it can be controlled but there are serious side effects. There is still no cure.
Bad habits such as smoking can lead to lung cancer or COPD. Alcohol abuse can bring on liver disease. Injuries caused by accidents could have been prevented by using common sense and safety precautions.
Staying healthy requires eating a balanced diet, keeping the mind and body active. Practicing stress management and keeping up with your Preventative Medicine Screenings guys!
Disclaimer: No endorsements for pay or otherwise are included in this blog.
This website is for informational purposes not for diagnosis.
If you have a health condition or concern please, consult your doctor.
Researching content:
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health/index.shtml accessed 06/17/2020
https://www.medicinenet.com/mens_health/article.htm#introduction_to_mens_health accessed 06/17/2020
https://www.webmd.com/men/features/6-top-health-threats-men#1 accessed 06/17/2020
https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-stroke-men#symptoms accessed 06/18/2020
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health/index.shtml accessed 06/18/2020
