Men, Take Charge of Your Health this Men’s Health Week
5/22/2024
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.
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“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 Bradley Fenster, M.D., Ph.D., FSCAI, an interventional cardiologist with Commonwealth Health Physician Network. “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. Fenster encourages the men in Northeastern PA to be proactive about their heart health this Men’s Health Week, June 10 - 16, and to be on the lookout for common health issues:
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
Leaking isn’t a female-only problem. According to the Urology Care Foundation, approximately 25 percent of men have dribbling and incontinence problems, too.
Low Testosterone
While it’s normal for testosterone levels to decrease over time, it’s 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 CDC. And the American Psychological Association reports 30 percent of men have suffered from depression at some point during their lives.
“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. Fenster. “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. Fenster 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
Men’s Health Week serves as a reminder to schedule your annual wellness exam. Commonwealth Health Physician Network provides convenient, online appointment scheduling. Make an appointment by visiting www.cwhphysiciannetwork.net.
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