June is Men's Health Month — Who wants to go to the doctor?!
June is Men's Health Month, so I thought I'd share a few thoughts on why we should see our medical providers regularly. I'm tough; I don't need a doctor.
Let's start with the guys who subscribe to the I'm-toughand-i-don'tneed-a-doctor-tellingme-whatto-do school of thought. Some of the men I see as patients continue to deny that we, too, need to take care of ourselves. It can be difficult, but we need to come to terms with getting older. If you are in this category, let me say this: You have every right to stay away from the doctor's office. However, that may not be the smart choice. Coming to see your health provider means taking care of your health issues, not ignoring them.
And as far as medical providers are concerned, we cannot make you to do anything you do not want to do. Often, we recommend treatments or lifestyle changes that could change your health for the better, but you need to take on these challenges.
I'm fine; everything's fine.
Then there's the everything-is-fine crowd. Some people are open to discussing their health concerns, symptoms, possible treatments, and others are not. The ones who tend to put off their cancer screenings and other preventive care often tell themselves they have better things to do. If you are in this category, I cannot fault you for believing that your chances of getting certain types of cancer are probably pretty low, depending on your risk factors. But statistics do not account for each individual's health, and if you do not identify cancer in the early stages, the chances of a recovery are less clear.
Who wants to cut out all the fun stuff?
Another reason men tend to avoid medical appointments is that they really don't want to be told what they already know: that they would benefit from drinking more water, eating a healthier diet, and getting more exercise; and that they should cut back on the alcohol and tobacco.
Here's the thing. You don't have to do everything right all the time and you don't have to make big, dramatic changes to get big, dramatic results. Little changes over time can be transformational.
For example, if you focus on losing just one or two pounds a month, you can lose significant weight in just a few months. Heck, at two pounds a month you could lose close to 50 pounds in two years. That's huge. Strengthening is the same way. If you can do two sit-ups a day, start with two. Then do four, then six, it's all about a commitment to ourselves.
Back to the buddy system
If you know you'll be more consistent when someone is counting on you, use the buddy system. Make plans to go for walks, bike rides, or hikes with others. My patients tell me they don't have time to take care of themselves. I can see they are busy and have a lot of responsibilities, but life is full of choices. If you need to take your son to soccer practice, I respect that. It doesn't mean you and another soccer parent can't go for a walk while your kids are playing.
Knowledge is power
Knowing your body and being aware of your health allows you to make choices that can help you feel better. It comes down to making health a priority. If you want support getting your health back on track, make an appointment with your medical provider. We will walk with you on the pathway to better health.
James Thomas, PA is a primary care provider at Mendocino Coast Clinics, a non-profit, federally qualified health center serving as a patientcentered medical home for people on the Mendocino Coast. MCC provides a team-based approach to care, offering medical, dental, behavioral health services, and more. Learn more at mendocinocoastclinics.org.