It is not uncommon for men to hesitate before visiting the doctor’s office. Research shows that men are less likely than women to get preventive care, and that certain conditions, like heart disease and stroke, can take a higher toll on their health.
However, simple lifestyle changes and regular visits with a primary care provider can help men reduce health risks and detect illnesses and certain cancers early.
“During an annual physical, preventive health care is the cornerstone of what we focus on,” said Jeevan Sall, M.D., CAQSM, a Providence primary care and sports medicine physician. “A lot of physicians (myself included) like a holistic approach that encompasses each patient’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.”
During “Movember,” an annual event in November when men grow mustaches to raise awareness of men’s health issues – we are encouraging men to prioritize regular screenings and doctor visits.
Simple lifestyle changes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are at higher risk for heart disease, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease and stroke.
With simple lifestyle changes, men can stave off illness. For example, eating a nutritious diet and staying physically active can help decrease blood pressure, blood sugar and weight, which lowers the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
“Spending even 15 minutes a day exercising is not only good for your mental and physical health, it also helps prevent many health conditions,” Dr. Sall said. “We've even found evidence that exercise is good for your immune system.”
Dr. Sall stresses the importance of reading food labels and limiting your intake of preservatives, added sugars, oils, and trans and saturated fats. In addition, he recommends men explore supplements like Vitamin D to help with energy levels, magnesium to encourage sleep and omega-3 fish oils to lower cholesterol.
Checkups and screenings
When men find a primary care doctor they trust, they’re more likely to stay up to date on vaccines, share knowledge about their family health history and get screened before a health concern arises.
During annual visits, Dr. Sall usually asks patients to rate their health on a scale of 1 to 10 before discussing their diet, exercise, supplements, family history and social habits, such as alcohol or tobacco use. He also reviews each patient’s hobbies and occupations to understand their activity levels and physical hazards.
“For instance, I have a lot of patients who love surfing, which is great for physical activity but can put you at higher risk for conditions like skin cancer. I always ask them if they wear sunscreen, and we talk about how to minimize injuries,” he said.
Prioritizing mental health
Beyond the physical, it is equally important for men to focus on their emotional, psychological and social well-being.
Only half of those struggling with mental health seek and receive treatment, and the figures are worse among men. It’s vitally important for men to seek support from their primary care physicians, prioritize exercise and talk to a therapist if they are struggling.
“Therapy is probably the best thing that can help someone,” Dr. Sall said. “Seeking mental health support is not a sign of weakness. It is an essential part of their overall health.”
