By Erica Malloch
Hey Ladies! This is for all the men out there – your husbands, brothers, dads, friends and sons. Want to help them live longer? Read on.
As women, we start going to a gynecologist routinely for exams, usually in our late teens or early twenties. However, men generally do not have a real need to see their doctor on a routine basis like women do. A preventive physical is recommended every two years, but let’s be honest, most men avoid this appointment! Even for routine illnesses and colds, men just “suck it up.”
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year. This is a serious issue because while not all health issues can be diagnosed with routine exams, prevention and early detection is key for successful treatment and long term wellness.
Here are some statistics to consider:
1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
12.1% of men 18 years and over are in fair or poor health.
These are alarming statistics, but there are steps men can take to stay in good health. Here is a breakdown:
1) Numbers are important
Numbers to keep track of include body mass index and weight, waistline, blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and blood glucose. These numbers can easily be checked during a physical exam and routine blood work.
2) Family history
Men should take stock of their family history. This is one of the most powerful tools in understanding one’s individual health. Some genes can increase the risk of illnesses including some types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and certain mental health problems.
3) Keep moving
It is important to establish a healthy exercise routine. This should include 20-30 minutes of physical activity 2-3 days a week. In general, it is important to keep moving throughout the day.
4) Early detection is key
If you notice a change in your health, seek medical advice promptly. Don’t wait for the problem to go away or try and resolve it on your own.
5) No smoking
It is vitally important that smokers quit smoking. Smokers are 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers, and smoking causes 90% lung cancer related deaths in males.
6) Manage stress
Long-term stress can have a negative impact on health. Find ways to manage stress which could include exercise, spending time with friends, or taking a vacation.
7) Protect your skin
It is important to protect skin using sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Pay attention to any changes in your skin, and be sure to have any concerning changes checked by a doctor.
8) Eat a well-balanced diet
A well-balanced diet will ensure that your body has the vitamins and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Eat a wide range of foods including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and proteins. Foods should be low in cholesterol, salt, added sugar, trans fats, and saturated fats.
In addition to these health tips, there are certain preventive tests that men should undergo depending on age. All men are encouraged to discuss screening and prevention with their doctors, but routine tests might include blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes checks, a baseline EKG reading, prostate or colorectal cancer screenings, testing for STD’s, mental health screenings, an ultrasound to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and routine eye, dental and skin exams.
Please encourage the men you love to follow these tips to stay healthy, and to go see a doctor! It is important that they take care of themselves just as much as they take care of those around them. I find that the hardest step is getting guys to make the appointment, so just make it for them and then they will have to show up.
Erica Malloch is a 30-something year old living in Savoy. She is married to her high school sweetheart Bryan, who is a Deputy with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office. She is the mom of a sweet 3-year-old girl and a charming 3-month-old boy. Erica grew up in Champaign, attending Central High School and the University of Illinois for undergraduate and graduate school. She has worked for the University of Illinois for eight years and is currently a Research Coordinator at the Beckman Institute. Erica likes to spend her free time doing fun activities with her family, trying to squeeze in a date night, and attempting to stay out of the kitchen and away from craft projects.