Men, Take Charge of Your Health this Men’s Health Week
6/11/2024
Research backs up the long-standing stereotype that men avoid going to the doctor. Recent surveys show that approximately 44 percent of men don’t get an annual physical, and 60 percent of men won’t see a doctor if they suspect something is wrong.
“Don’t wait until the ‘check engine’ light flashes to take care of your health. Just like cars, our bodies need routine and preventive maintenance, too” said Bruce Harrell, M.D., board certified urologist at Lakeside Physicians. “As fathers, as husbands, as coworkers, as friends, we owe it to the people who care about us that we take care of ourselves—not just when we’re sick.”
Dr. Harrell encourages the men in our communities to be proactive about their health this Men’s Health Week, June 10 - 16, and to be on the lookout for common health issues he sees among male patients:
Prostate Cancer
One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It’s the most common cancer among American men, according to the American Cancer Society.
Urinary Incontinence
Leaking isn’t a female-only problem. According to the Urology Care Foundation, approximately 25 percent of men have dribbling and incontinence problems, too.
“While you may not feel comfortable discussing health concerns or below-the-belt issues with buddies, it should not be embarrassing to go to the doctor,” added Dr. Harrell. “Intimate and serious health issues can often be addressed and are easier to treat when found early. While my practice focuses on urological health, men also need to pay attention to their heart health as well. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S., and more than half of men don’t show symptoms before heart disease becomes fatal, according to the CDC.”
“Primary care physicians use screenings that check for conditions before many people experience signs and symptoms of a health problem. Depending on age and family medical history,” said Casey Dean, D.O., family medicine physician at Lakeside Physicians. “Annual physicals are a great way to stay on top of your health.”
These may include:
- BMI calculation
- Blood pressure, heart and respiration rates
- Questions around alcohol and tobacco intake
- Questions around diet and exercise habits
- Cholesterol and other blood tests
- Vaccinations
- Mental health screening
- Testicular, hernia and/or prostate (lab work) exams
Men’s Health Week serves as a reminder to schedule your annual wellness exam or address symptoms that may be concerning you with a physician.
For more information on urological conditions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harrell, please call (817) 573-5983 or visit https://lakegranburymedical.com/BruceHarrell.
For more information about Dr. Dean, family medicine physician, or to schedule an appointment, please call (817) 326-3900 or visit https://lakegranburymedical.com/CaseyDean.
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