MEN’S HEALTH MONTH

It’s a man’s world, and June has been the month designated for men. Father’s Day has been the day set aside to honor all fathers and father figures for more than a hundred years. In the early days, Father’s Day was celebrated in early July, but the honor to fathers coincided with the honor to our independence as a nation. Wives, mothers, partners, and children have allowed Father’s Day to become a financial boom for the commercial industry. We believe honoring and sharing our love for the fathers in our lives equates to purchasing gifts. Most fathers will tell their loved ones they are able to make these purchases for themselves; however, they graciously accept their gifts because they understand is not the gift, but the thought behind the gift that really counts.

Today, Father’s Day always falls on the third Sunday in June, but June has become a more important month for fathers and all men. Since 1994, June has been designated as ‘Men’s Health Month’. This movement highlights issues of far greater importance to men.

The goal of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. There are health fairs at hospitals, clinics, malls and college campuses, as well as the abundance of information that is available on the internet to bring to men, boys and their families. it

Men’s Health Month is an international movement that has won congressional approval and been proven beneficial in bringing vital information to men and their families. It is a fact that most men delay having regular checkups and are more likely to put off seeking medical advice and treatment when experiencing symptoms. The old adage says that men will take their cars to a mechanic for specific malfunction symptoms, but fail to attend to their own heath needs. The Men’s Health organizations have been placing posters around the country and on the internet stating, “This Year Most Men Will Die From Stubbornness.” Then there is a hand written response saying, In reality, the truth is, “Yes they will.” Statistics continue to show that almost 25 percent of men die from heart attacks, and another 24 percent succumb to cancer. Most men don’t know that almost 2500 men come down with breast cancer annually and 25 percent of these men will die because of a late diagnosis and treatment. Then there are those diseases that increase heart attack and/or stroke risk and are categorized as being the silent killer such as, hypertension, high cholesterol and high blood glucose levels leading to diabetes.

When we think back to Father’s Day, think of that perfect gift especially for the man who doesn’t place his health at the top of his list. Your special gift is having that talk about issues related to health care. Some men simply refuse to go to the doctor, and that’s when your talent as a loved one comes in; be creative, do your health screening research. Don’t just talk; give the men and boys in your life the gift of a routine comprehensive physical. Statistics show that except when required by their employer or an insurance policy, most men will not schedule that physical for themselves. Be proactive and ensure the physician covers all of the routine preventative screenings. Medical Line Plus, an online site which may be googled, provides information from ‘A - Z’ about medical issues for everyone.

The most common and important medical preventive screenings that should be covered and discussed at an annual physical examination are briefly covered here. Your physician may choose to recommend a specialist for a more comprehensive evaluation for specific issues, such as cardiology, gastroenterology, urology, ophthalmology, dental and so on.

Colonoscopy (Colon Cancer Screening): For men or women under age 50, a screening should be considered if there are risk factors or a strong family history of colon cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. At ages 50 to 75, colonoscopies are very important as a preventative measure. The first colonoscopy should occur at age 50 and the subsequent screenings should be determined by your physician.

Prostate Cancer Screening: Most men over 50 years or older should have this screening. African American men should consider having this screening around age 40, especially if they have a close family member who has had prostate cancer.

Testicular Exam: other conditions.

Other Exams: Lung (Chest X-Ray), Basic Cardiology (Electro-Cardiology (EKG), Labs (Blood levels, prostate PSA, urine, etc).

Hopefully men will take advantage of ‘Men’s Health Month’ and participate by scheduling their physical exam. Remember your partners will love and support your efforts.

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Hypertension (Blood Pressure Screening): A blood pressure check should be conducted at least yearly. The top number (systolic number) should not be higher than 120 and the bottom number (diastolic number) should not be higher than 80.

Immunizations: You should get a flu shot every year. Your doctor may recommend other vaccinations such as the 10 year tetanus-diphtheria booster and/or a pneumonia and a shingles (herpes zoster) vaccination which are only administered one time after age 60.

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