The original item was published from June 4, 2018 11:48 AM to June 7, 2018 4:34 PM
| MEN SHOW STRENGTH THROUGH HEALTHY LIVING |
Dads are traditionally known as the family’s pillar of strength. However, far too many men think they need to show that characteristic with their health and refuse to seek medical care until there is something seriously wrong. Each June, we celebrate Men’s Health Month to heighten the awareness that early treatment and routine medical examinations can prevent many health problems.
Men's Health Concerns
Being tough has its advantages but toughening your way through medical concerns can have serious consequences, including death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the life expectancy for men is 76.1 years, almost five years less than the average American woman. Although heart disease is the #1 killer for both men and women in this country, men typically develop heart complications 10-15 years before women and approximately one-fourth of all heart-disease related deaths in men occur between the ages of 35-65. In addition to heart disease, the American Cancer Society reports that approximately 40 percent of American men will be diagnosed with some type of cancer during their lifetime.
Most life-threatening illnesses — including heart disease and cancer — can be treated or cured if caught early. Regular checkups and age-appropriate screenings are proven to improve health and reduce chances for premature death. In addition to health care, making a few life-improving changes can enhance quality of life, including:
- Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
- Limiting cholesterol intake and avoiding saturated fats.
- Protecting against sun damage.
- Managing stress and seeking help when needed.
- Quitting smoking and minimizing exposure to secondhand smoke.
Health Services' Screenings
To help men be proactive with their healthcare and know their baseline health information, the Division of Health Services clinic has introduced new screening services this year. Rapid testing options will help men quickly obtain their results and better determine options to prevent future illness. Among the screenings available are:
- Heart health and diabetes screenings (including cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure exams).
- Liver function screenings (to detect Hepatitis and other liver health issues).
- Rapid screenings for sexually transmitted diseases.
- PSA testing to check against prostate cancer.
- Tuberculosis skin and blood tests.
- Titer screenings to measure antibody levels for protection against preventable disease.
It is up to all of us to help dads show their strength by being smart with their health. If dad cannot remember the last time he had a physical or visit with his doctor, today is the day to make an appointment.
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