Men, Take Charge of Your Health this Men’s Health Month
6/18/2024
Northeast Regional Medical Center encourages men in the region to get their annual wellness exam added to the calendar
Kirksville, MO – Research backs up the long-standing stereotype 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.
“Don’t wait until the ‘check engine’ light flashes to take care of your health. Just like cars, our bodies need routine and preventive maintenance, too” said Dr. DeLeeuw, internal medicine. “As fathers, as husbands, as coworkers, as friends, we owe it to the people who care about us that we take care of ourselves—not just when we’re sick.”
Dr. DeLeeuw encourages the men in the area to be proactive about their health this Men’s Health Month, and to be on the lookout for common health issues he sees among male patients:
Heart Disease
Sometimes heart disease may be "silent" and not diagnosed until a man experiences signs or symptoms of a heart attack, an arrhythmia, or heart failure, 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
Leaking isn’t a female-only problem. According to the Urology Care Foundation, a quarter to a third of men have dribbling and incontinence problems, too.
Low Testosterone
The major risk factors for low testosterone are men who have diabetes and who are overweight. Risk only increases as weight increases and can be treated with an appropriate diet and weight loss, per Dr. DeLeeuw.
Depression
Depression can affect men and women differently. When depression happens in men, it can be hidden in unhealthy coping mechanisms. Untreated depression can lead to serious and sometimes tragic results. But the good news is that with proper evaluation and treatment, depression in men can improve.
“While you may not feel comfortable discussing health concerns or below-the-belt issues with buddies, it should not be embarrassing to go to the doctor,” added Dr. DeLeeuw. “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 age and family medical history, Dr. DeLeeuw says an annual physical may include:
- (BMI) calculation
- Blood pressure, heart and respiration rates
- Questions around alcohol and tobacco intake
- Questions around diet and exercise habits
- Cholesterol and other blood tests
- Vaccinations
- Mental health screening
- Testicular, hernia and/or prostate exams
This Men’s Health Month, get your annual wellness exam added to the calendar. To find a primary care doctor near you, visit www.northeastspecialtygroup.com.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Cancer Society
Urology Care Foundation
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