Men, Take Charge of Your Health this Summer
6/17/2024
Northwest Healthcare encourages men in Pima County to get their annual wellness exams added to the calendar
TUCSON, AZ (June 17, 2024) – Research backs up the long-standing belief that men avoid going to the doctor. In fact, recent surveys show that approximately 44 percent of men don’t get an annual physical, and 60 percent of men won’t see a doctor if they suspect something is wrong.
Knowing this, our advice to men is: Don’t wait until the ‘check engine’ light flashes to take care of your health. Just like cars, your body needs routine and preventive maintenance – and fathers, husbands, coworkers, and friends are far more important than cars. It’s important to your families and communities that you take care of yourself as a habit – not just when you’re sick.”
This kind of self-care means staying on the lookout for common health issues, including:
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S., and more than half of men don’t show symptoms before heart disease becomes fatal, according to the CDC.
Prostate Cancer
One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It’s the most common cancer among American men, according to the American Cancer Society.
Urinary Incontinence
This isn’t a female-only problem. According to the Urology Care Foundation, approximately 25 percent of men have urinary dribbling and leaking problems, too.
Low Testosterone
While it’s normal for testosterone levels to decrease over time, a decrease is becoming more prevalent among younger men. Four out of 10 men have low testosterone by the age of 45, according to the Urology Care Foundation.
Depression
The suicide rate among men is four times higher than among women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, the American Psychological Association reports that 30 percent of men have suffered from depression at some point during their lives.
The good news: Intimate and serious health issues can often be addressed – and are easier to treat when found early.
In fact, primary care physicians use screenings that check for conditions before many people experience signs and symptoms of a health problem. Depending on your age and family medical history, your annual physical may include:
- Body mass index (BMI) calculation
- Blood pressure, heart and respiration rates
- Questions regarding alcohol and tobacco intake
- Questions regarding diet and exercise habits
- Cholesterol and other blood tests
- Vaccinations
- Mental health screening
- Testicular, hernia and/or prostate exams
This summer, get your annual wellness exam added to the calendar. To find a primary care doctor near you, visit MyTucsonDoc.com.
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