It's Men's Health Week

Men may be more resistant to schedule this type of appointment, but they can be the key to both prevention of disease and developing an ongoing relationship with a care team. 

One of the most important topics to focus on is heart disease as this remains the leading cause of death in men each year.  Heart disease develops earlier for men compared to women, so it is critical to focus on prevention.  Risk factors contributing to heart disease include high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and tobacco use.  Men should meet with their Primary Care Provider (PCP) to discuss an overall healthy lifestyle consisting of plenty of exercise, heart healthy dietary choices, and strategies to quit smoking.  It should be emphasized... prevention is a team effort and it is common to have nurses, dieticians, and whole health coaches involved.

Another important reason for men to have routine primary care appointments is a discussion about cancer.  The leading causes of cancer death in men are colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.  A personalized discussion can be had for each of these based upon risk factors and a review of the risks/benefits of screening tests.  Once again, prevention will be a cornerstone topic with focus on tobacco cessation and following a healthy lifestyle for weight management.

In addition to heart disease and cancer, the prevention of unintentional injuries is important to address as it remains a leading cause of death in men.  Examples include impaired driving, falls, and fires.  There is definite overlap in some of the prevention guidance for this topic, but it is key to reinforce regular exercise and strength training, alcohol consumption only in moderation or not at all, regular eye exams, and review of ways to make the home environment safe from hazards.

Primary care appointments have also become more critical to address prevention of infectious diseases with immunizations.  Men should be prepared to have a review of their vaccination record by the team nurse and discuss recommended vaccines based upon age and comorbid health conditions.  The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the need to have open conversations about vaccine guidelines.

Another way a primary care clinic can address the medical needs of men is with availability and flexibility.  Sometimes there is a need to be seen for a medical issue requiring a focused evaluation.  Often times these types of appointments will be added on to the existing clinic day or completed as a video visit in order to provide flexibility around work schedules and other obligations.  This allows for the expedited diagnosis and treatment of the medical condition.

It may in fact turn out to be a myth that men will do everything they can to avoid going to a medical appointment once they find out how they can work with their care team to improve all facets of their health.

Men, focus on your health this week, schedule an appointment with your health care team. Not enrolled yet? We can help you apply in person or get started online.