Father’s Day just passed. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers everywhere who are handling their responsibilities and taking care of their children by loving, providing, and protecting them. June is important for another reason too. It’s Men’s Health Month!
I’m a huge advocate for preventative health. It has been said that men don’t like to go to the doctor. In my experience men become consumed with work or get in denial, and then their own health doesn’t become a priority.
Nowadays physicians and dentists have flexible hours to accommodate working people. Several dental offices are open on weekends and even open at 7am during the week. Physician’s offices are open after hours during the week. My doctor’s office is now open for a few hours on Saturdays. Some providers allow you to submit a video conference instead of coming into the office depending on the symptoms. There is really no excuse now for not selecting a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant to manage your health.
Men’s health is important for the family to flourish. Men, we need you! If you know a man who is needing some assistance making his health a priority, gently encourage him to make a trip to the doctor’s office. Even if he feels well.
Silent Killer
Your husband, father, fiancé, colleague, or friend could look healthy like the guys in the photo, but have serious internal problems that don’t show on the outside like: cancer, kidney failure, or hypertension. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure is the measured amount of pressure of blood pushing against your arteries. For some, hypertension may seem like it’s not a big deal, but it can really change your life if there isn’t proper monitoring or treatment.
Hypertension can be preventable sometimes with diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and decreasing stress. It can be treated using those same mechanisms in addition to prescribed medications. For some, hypertension may be inevitable due to family history. If left untreated, hypertension can cause damage to your blood vessels leading to kidney failure, vision loss, heart disease, and/or stroke. Something simple as a blood pressure check can be a lifesaver.
Here are some common tests or examinations men should be completing and/or discussing with their healthcare providers:
Common Men’s Health Exams
- Eye exam
- Dental exam
- Lipid profile (cholesterol)
- Fasting blood sugar
- Blood pressure
- Prostate exam (starting at age 40-50)
- Colonoscopy (starting at age 45)