Health Knowledge is Power
June is Men's Health Month, a timely reminder to all men to proactively
manage their health by adopting healthy habits, seeking care early and
approaching it as a lifelong journey. According to the CDC and the American
Heart Association, many of the leading causes of death among men in the U.S.
are preventable or manageable. Yet, men are often less likely to seek routine
care or address symptoms early, increasing their risk for serious health
issues.
At Summit Medical Group, our providers take a
comprehensive, patient-centered approach to men's health, offering primary
care, chronic disease management, preventive screenings and access to
providers who support men at every stage of life.
Schedule an appointment with a Summit
Medical Group physician today: https://www.summitmedical.com/health.
Top Health Risks for Men and What You Should Know
Heart disease: As the leading cause of death
among men, heart disease often develops without noticeable symptoms. According
to the American Heart Association, risk factors such as high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, smoking and obesity significantly increase the risk.
What to do:
·
Schedule regular checkups.
·
Know your numbers: keep an eye on blood pressure
and cholesterol.
·
Adopt heart-healthy habits like exercise and
balanced nutrition.
Cancer: The CDC reports cancer as a leading cause of
death in men, with lung, prostate and colorectal cancers among the most common.
What to do:
·
Stay up to date on recommended screenings, including
PSA blood tests and prostate exams.
·
Avoid tobacco use.
·
Discuss family history with your provider.
Unintentional injuries: Injuries and accidents are a
major health concern for men.
What to do:
·
Prioritize safety at work and home.
·
Use protective equipment.
·
Avoid risky behaviors.
·
Watch for National Safety Month blog post this
month that will cover more safety tips.
Stroke: Stroke risk increases with many of the same
factors as heart disease, including hypertension and diabetes.
What to do:
·
Manage chronic conditions.
·
Maintain a healthy weight.
·
Recognize warning signs, and if you notice them,
BE FAST: If you lose Balance, have Eye issues such as blurriness,
Face issues such as drooping, Arm weakness or slurred Speech,
it's Time to call 911 and note the time symptoms first appeared.
Diabetes: The CDC notes that 14.9% of men in the U.S.
have type 2 diabetes, but roughly 4.3% of those have not yet been diagnosed. Diabetes
can lead to serious complications if unmanaged.
What to do:
·
Monitor blood sugar levels.
·
Maintain a healthy diet.
·
Stay physically active.
Mental health and suicide: The National Institute of
Mental Health (NIMH) highlights that men are less likely to seek help for
mental health concerns but are at higher risk for suicide - especially younger
men.
What to do:
·
Talk openly about mental health.
·
Seek support early.
· Access counseling or behavioral health services when needed.
Taking Care of Your Health Shows True Strength
We get it, men are reluctant to seek care, often resigning
themselves to push through or put off important visits for a variety of
reasons. That waiting means sometimes missing an optimal window to treat
various conditions. Don't wait for the warning light, get on track with annual
wellness exams, take the recommended screenings for your age and lifestyle and
feel empowered to talk freely with your health provider about your concerns.
Summit Medical Group offers coordinated care across primary
care, cardiology, behavioral health and specialty services, making it easier to
prioritize a lifetime of wellness.