Men’s Health Month; Prioritizing Well-Being with Dr. Nathan Levanger
June is Men’s Health Month, where we celebrate and promote men’s health and well-being! While it’s true that men often visit the doctor less frequently, embracing wellness visits can lead to early detection of potential issues, ensuring a healthier and longer life.
No matter your age, paying attention to your health and scheduling routine check-ups can make a significant positive impact.
Encouraging Mental Health Support for Men:
While many think of men’s health as pertaining more to their physical health, mental health is extremely important. In a recent survey, it was shown that 65% of men are hesitant to seek care for mental health-related issues. Their symptoms may include stress, anxiety, and depression. Ignoring mental health issues such as these can lead to other health complications including:
- Addictive behaviors
- Chronic pain
- Digestive issues
- Headaches
- Heart disease
- Sleep disorders
- Stroke
- Weight fluctuations
It’s important to address mental health, which can be incredibly challenging! As partners, friends, or family, let’s support the men in our lives by encouraging them to prioritize their mental health. A simple conversation can make a big difference. Show your care by listening, offering support, and reminding them that seeking help is a sign of strength. Together, we can create a positive environment where everyone feels comfortable reaching out for the support they need.
Early Detection Saves Lives: The Importance of Prostate and Colon Cancer Screenings:
According to the Men’s Health Network, Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Every year, over 230,000 men are diagnosed with this disease, and approximately 30,000 die making it the second highest cause of death in men.
Most men will experience some prostate-related health issues during their lifetime. These issues are generally associated with three conditions: prostatitis (inflamed prostate), Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (overgrown prostate), and cancer, each with many subtypes.
Age and family history are critical factors when considering prostate issues. Some studies have also linked prostatitis to a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. For prostate cancer, men with a family history of the disease are at a higher risk. Between 9%-16% of men will develop prostatitis at some point in their lives. As a result, prostate issues lead to nearly 2 million doctor visits in the US per year, and affected men may also have an increased risk for mental health issues.
Men’s mental and physical health are interconnected. To support the health of the men in your life, consider integrating some of these strategies into their routines.
- Schedule your yearly check-ups. Your doctor can help monitor your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, which makes early detection much more likely.
- Try to eat more natural and whole foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, whole-grain products, fiber-rich foods, lean cuts of meat and poultry, and fish.
- Try to get 150 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. This can be as easy as going for a jog, swimming, basketball, tennis, or anything else that gets your heart rate elevated.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. A waist of more than 40 inches around can raise your risk of obesity-related issues. For men, waists larger than 40 inches are associated with a higher risk of type-2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
- Change your unhealthy habits. Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Smoking can lead to lung disease, cancer, heart disease, and many other complications. Reducing your alcohol intake can also have beneficial health benefits. It is important to consume alcohol in moderation. The CDC recommends consuming no more than two drinks per day. Anabolic steroids are also detrimental to health and can lead to a variety of issues, such as sterility, heart disease, skin disease, and behavioral problems.
- Protect your skin. Melanoma is one of the deadliest cancers, and men over 50 are at a heightened risk of developing it.
- Get your prostate checked. If you have trouble urinating, have pain while urinating, or have blood in your urine, it could be a sign of prostate problems.
- Check for colorectal cancer. Starting at the age of 50, it is essential to begin screening for cancerous growths in your colon.
Men’s health is critically important and encompasses a wide range of issues. Regardless of your concerns, seeking medical advice and regular check-ups is essential for your well-being and peace of mind. TVHC is here to assist with any questions you may have about your health or that of a loved one.
To schedule an appointment, please call (208)354-2383 or visit www.tvhcare.org.
References
The Importance of Men’s Health Month | Lifespan
11 Tips for Men and Their Mental Health (clevelandclinic.org)