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June is Men's Health Month

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Healthcare Network Southwest Florida

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May 25, 2023

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Florida - Southwest

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Men’s Health Month in June was established to encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men as well as awareness of preventable health problems for men and boys. Research shows that men are less likely to see the doctor, especially if they do not have symptoms. As a result, men are more likely to be diagnosed with a disease or illness in its later stages. This delay often makes treatment more complicated.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that men are three times more likely than women to go without a doctor visit for five or more years. According to a survey conducted by the Commonwealth Fund, three times as many men as women had not seen a doctor in the previous year. In addition, more than half of all men had not undergone a physical exam or cholesterol test in the previous year. Up to 60% of men are unlikely to seek medical care, even when they believe they are seriously ill.

According to a Harris Poll survey for the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• 90% of men do not seek care or advice right away but wait before seeking treatment.

• 38% of men only seek healthcare when they are incredibly sick or when symptoms do not go away on their own.

• 55% of men had not seen a doctor for a physical exam within the last 12 months.

• Of this group, 40% had one or more chronic health conditions.

• 40% of men follow their doctor’s advice 100% of the time.

• 58% follow their doctor’s advice 50 to 75% of the time.

Cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and hypertension are higher in men than women. Notably, 80% of all sudden-death cases due to unrecognized heart disease happen to men.The message for Men’s Health Month is that men can empower themselves for better health with routine doctor’s visits and screenings.

Here is why being proactive about health matters:

• Heart disease, cancer, depression, and a higher tendency to participate in risky behavior are among the most significant risks to men’s health.

• Men are more likely to be hospitalized or die from preventable conditions because they do not visit their doctor as much.

• Men’s sexual health is most likely affected by dangerous substances and the natural aging process.

• Routine checkups and screenings are linked to better longevity and health in men.

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to prevent or manage many common health problems in men.

It is especially important for senior men to seek preventative health services, because as bodies age, hormones change, impacting fat distribution and muscle mass. Nutrients are processed differently, and many men are at increased risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes as they age.

Here are some of the screening tests recommended by Johns Hopkins for men over the age of 65:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm

• Blood pressure

• Colorectal Cancer

• Depression

• Diabetes mellitus, type 2

• Lipid disorders

• STD

In addition, up to 50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have at least one skin cancer, and Caucasian men are particularly at risk. It is never too late to take steps to prevent further damage from the sun as well as be screened regularly for signs of skin cancer.

While it may seem like a lot to manage, regular check-ups and a relationship with your primary care physician (PCP) are some of the best ways to improve the chances for early detection of chronic illnesses and better health outcomes.

PCPs manage the full scope of health factors and work with patients to create action plans for better health, while monitoring and keeping track of changes to health and ensuring continuity of care. Because they know your personal health history, they are better able to manage your overall health, even with multiple conditions.

While one in three seniors sees at least five doctors a year, the PCP can act as the go-between for different specialists, helping to manage appointments, referrals and prescriptions.

Men’s Health Month (anytime, really!) is a great time to establish a relationship with a PCP who can get to know you and help you meet your health care goals. To make an appointment with a Healthcare Network provider capable of coordinating healthcare needs that come with aging, call 239-758-0252 or visit healthcareswfl.org.

About the Author

Dr. Corin DeChirico is vice president of medical staff and chief medical officer for Healthcare Network. For information on Healthcare Network, call 239.658.3000.

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