The statistics prove that men don’t often discuss or act on their health. June marks Men’s Health Month, a time to change that narrative and encourage early detection!
A study from the Cleveland Clinic reveals:
- Only 3 out of 5 men get annual physicals.
- Over 40% of men only go to the doctor when they think they have a serious medical condition.
- More than half of men said their health wasn't something they talk about.
And here is the kicker: 77% of married men would rather go shopping with their partner than to the doctor. That says a lot.
Having a primary care provider (PCP) and scheduling an annual appointment is important, even if you don't have health problems now. Why? For starters, you could have a health problem and not even know it— many conditions don't cause symptoms at first. But these problems can be harder to manage if they go on too long.
Having a PCP means you have someone who will monitor your health and look for conditions or diseases early, when they may be easier to treat. A prime example: high blood pressure. If you have it and it goes unchecked, it may lead to a heart attack or a stroke.
Some diseases that disproportionately impact men, like heart disease and cancer, are preventable through regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are a few screenings you can ask your doctor about and discuss if they are right for you:
- Cholesterol check: Around age 35, men should have a blood test once a year to check cholesterol levels. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about beginning testing sooner. High cholesterol can lead to health issues like heart disease and stroke.
- Prostate cancer: Men 55-69 years old should consider screenings beginning at age 50, or earlier if they have a family history of prostate cancer.
- Colorectal cancer: Colonoscopies can detect colon polyps before they turn into cancer. Men should begin screenings at age 45.
Celebrate Men’s Health Month by scheduling that appointment you might have been putting off, asking about your screening options, and prioritizing your health.
And if you have a man in your life who has been avoiding the doctor's office – nudge him in the right direction. This month is the perfect time to do it!