June Focus: Men’s Health Month
June is Men’s Health Month, which focuses on the awareness, prevention, education, and treatment of conditions commonly seen in men. Examples of these conditions include cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, and depression.
Going to the doctor regularly may seem unnecessary. But, getting regular screenings and check-ups can help prevent the development of many conditions or catch certain diseases early. Additionally, there are many things you can do at home to improve your lifestyle and help prevent certain health disorders.
Awareness
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men in the U.S. live 5 years less than women on average. Men are more likely to die from these top three leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries.
Despite these statistics, men are more likely to skip yearly physicals and screenings, delay their medical treatment, engage in risky behaviors, and ignore key signs and symptoms of disease. Men are also more likely to manage their stress poorly and neglect their mental health. Each of these habits can have serious ramifications, especially if sustained over a long period of time. By becoming aware of common health concerns and learning how to prevent them, men can drastically improve their health statistics.
Prevention
While not all diseases or health conditions can be prevented, there are many things you can do to help lower your risk for some of these health problems. Examples of lifestyle changes you can make include:
- Exercise regularly
- Diet changes
- Lower salt intake
- Avoid fast food
- Eat fruits and vegetables
- Quit smoking
- Lower alcohol intake
- Take care of your mental health
- Therapy
- Stress-management courses
- Take time to relax
Another way to help prevent serious health conditions is through screening and regular check-ups. Knowing when you need certain screenings is crucial in detecting disease processes early. To find out which screenings you should be getting based on your age, click here. Also check out this handy cheat sheet for men’s cancer screenings.
Education
Despite getting regular screenings, you may develop certain health conditions as you age. It is crucial to know and understand early signs and symptoms of various health problems and seek medical treatment early. It is recommended that you seek medical treatment if you experience any one or more of the following symptoms:
- Generalized fatigue/weakness
- Joint pain
- Difficulty urinating
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain with or without exercise
- Severe headaches/migraines
- Sudden weight gain/weight loss
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Changes in appetite
These are just a few of the signs and symptoms you may experience if you are developing a health condition. By going to the doctor right away, you may be able to treat your condition early and prevent complications.
Treatment
If you are diagnosed with a new health problem, it is important to seek treatment and adhere to medications and treatment regimens. By doing this, you can significantly improve your condition and quality of life. To develop a treatment plan specific to you, contact your healthcare provider today.
Screenings, education, and treatment are paramount in extending men’s life expectancy. By complying to recommended lifestyle modifications and prevention screenings, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing a serious medical condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Here in Lynchburg, VA, you can access many of these screening services through Community Access Network. Community Access Network provides primary medical care regardless of age, income, or insurance status. We offer same-day appointments and walk-in care, and our clinic is open seven days a week. To make your screening appointment and take a step towards improving your health, call Community Access Network at: 434-818-7880.