2 minute read
Encouraging Men to Take Charge of Their Health
from Glo - June 2019
By Carly Thompson-Memmer, PhD Student
“But I don’t need to go to the doctor” says your husband, father or son. Despite wanting what’s best for our loved ones, men can sometimes be stubborn when it comes to seeking medical care for themselves. Fear, masculinity issues or even cost may be reasons why men are reluctant when it comes to seeing the doctor. However, just like a car needs to be maintained and have routine checks, so does your guy’s body to prevent bigger health problems from developing in the future. Encourage the men in your life to take charge of their health by doing the following:
Get Screened: Screenings look for and can find diseases before you even notice symptoms.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Who? Men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have smoked should get screened once for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Why? AAA is a bulging in your abdominal artery and it can burst, which can cause dangerous bleeding and death.
Screening: An ultrasound will show if an aneurysm exists.
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
Who? All men should have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years. Cholesterol should be checked beginning at age 35 and then every five years if their level is normal.
Why? These are standard screenings that can help your health care provider identify any potential health concerns or problems.
Screening: A sphygmomanometer (that cuff around your arm) for blood pressure and a blood test for cholesterol.
Colon Cancer
Who? Men between the ages of 50 and 75. Why? Colon cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer among men and the symptoms are not always obvious.
Screening: A stool test or colonoscopy are two options; talk to your doctor to decide which one is appropriate for you.
Diabetes
Who? Men who have high blood pressure or take medication for high blood pressure. Why? Diabetes can lead to problems with your eyes, feet, kidneys and other body parts if left untreated.
Screening: A blood test.
Hepatitis C Virus
Who? Men born between 1945 and 1965 and men who have ever injected drugs. Among those with Hepatitis C, 75% were born between 1945-1965. Why? Most people with Hepatitis C don’t know they have it and it’s a leading cause of liver cancer.
Screening: A blood test.
*Reminder: It’s a good idea to ask when you should expect the results from a screening and who you can discuss the results with. a photos: shutterstock.com
Get Vaccinated: Vaccinations help prevent diseases from developing.
Annual Flu Shot
Who? Generally, everyone.
Human Papillomavirus
(HPV)
Who? Boys at age 11 or 12, boys and men through age 21, gay men through age 26.
Pneumonia Shot
Who? Men 65 and older.
Tetanus-diphtheria Booster
Who? Every boy at age 11 or 12 and then every 10 years.
Shingles
Who? Healthy men aged 50 or older should get two doses of Shingrix (vaccination for shingles), separated by 2 to 6 months.
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