Many men would rather do almost anything else than visit the doctor for an examination. A recent Cleveland Clinic survey found that 72 percent of men prefer doing household chores like mowing the lawn and cleaning the bathroom to seeing their doctor.
Men often make excuses for avoiding annual checkups: “I’m too busy.” “I don’t want to hear something is wrong.” “It’s not that bad; I’ll tough it out.” However, this mindset contributes to the fact that life expectancy for U.S. men is five years less than for women. Men are also more likely to die from detectable and manageable conditions such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s.
Men’s Health Month provides an opportunity to change this trend. It’s a time for Florida men to take control of their health and wellness for themselves and those who love and depend on them.
A crucial first step toward improved health is establishing a relationship with a primary care physician and care team. Just as people use financial advisors to manage wealth, think of a Primary Care Physician as your “health manager.” They play a major role in ensuring you live a longer, happier life that allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Your primary care physician and care team will help you manage your health and wellness portfolio. Together, you can set health targets and goals that maximize your investments in future well-being. Regular age and risk-appropriate health screenings are essential. Proactive screenings for conditions such as prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease can make a significant difference.
The significance of regular screenings for men’s health cannot be overstated. These screenings and regular checkups play a crucial role in preventing and detecting potential health issues early on, ensuring better overall health and quality of life.Many men avoid the doctor’s office because of the poking and prodding they anticipate during screenings, particularly those recommended in their 40s. However, persevering through a few moments of discomfort and pre-test anxiety leads to much better long-term returns than avoiding the issue.
When looking for a primary care physician, ask family and friends for recommendations. It’s essential to feel comfortable talking with your primary care physician to get the most value out of the relationship, and personal referrals can often help you choose.
No matter how you pick your primary care physician, ensure it’s someone you trust and can converse honestly. Be open and honest to maximize the value of your interactions with your physician and care team. Sometimes, this means revealing certain social behaviors, mental health challenges, or new or lingering symptoms that you aren’t comfortable sharing with most people.
Don’t be afraid to share. Your primary care physician can’t partner with you to map out a healthy path if they don’t know where you’ve been and where you currently are. Your primary care physician is your full partner, and your full transparency allows them to customize and personalize everything from screenings and medications to appointment scheduling and payment arrangements.
In between checkups, men can take control of their health through tried-and-true measures:
Eating a healthy diet: Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods, and lean protein sources. Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats and avoid foods with added sugar and sodium. Your primary care physician can help with an eating plan that maximizes your health span.
Being physically active: It doesn’t have to be regimented exercise, but adults should engage in some daily physical activity. Exercising once or twice a week can reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke. Most physicians recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity work every week or 75 minutes of intense activity. Don’t forget to work on weight training or other strengthening activities, particularly as you age. Always check in with your primary care physician before starting any new exercise program.
Avoiding smoking or quitting if you do: Smoking drastically impacts your health and quality of life, increasing your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses.
Limiting alcohol consumption: Reducing alcohol intake can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick, injured, or dying sooner. The less you drink, the better for your long-term health.
Take steps to manage stress and prioritize your mental health and wellness. Reducing stress can lower your risk of other conditions such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression. Good mental health is a well-documented determinant of overall health and quality of life at any age.
Unfortunately, despite many advances, there is still a stigma around men’s mental health, making it more difficult for men to reach out for help. Don’t hesitate to talk with your primary care physician about any mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety, that you face. Acknowledging and dealing with mental health is not a weakness. These mental health factors are health and wellness conditions similar to infections or broken bones. Sharing these concerns with your provider is essential.
If you don’t have a primary care physician to act as your health advisor and help secure a healthy and happy future, consider contacting Millennium Physician Group. Millennium is one of the country’s largest comprehensive independent physician groups, with over 200+ healthcare locations, many of which are in the Jacksonville area. To find a Millennium Physician or Advanced Provider near you, visit www.millenniumphysician.com.
