Don’t Miss the Mark

Healthcare Providers Are Good for Men’s Health

Sometimes, men tend to seek healthcare only in a crisis. Some see themselves as strong and healthy enough to skip checkups and recommended screenings, as evidenced by research studies that have found that men are less likely than women to seek help for health problems. June is Men’s Health Month, a great time to learn about the medical care men need.

Screenings men can’t live without

The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force and other health groups encourage men to have regular health screenings to find serious health problems early. Men should ask their healthcare provider about tests for the following:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Vision
• Diabetes
• Colorectal cancer

Time for a new attitude

Routine checkups and screenings are important for finding hidden problems and staying healthy. Many conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol are “silent” illnesses – they don’t cause symptoms that may encourage men to seek medical treatment. However, these conditions can indicate serious and sometimes deadly health issues including heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease and diabetes.

Tips for partners

If the man you care about does not get preventive medical visits, keep encouraging him to put his health first. A spouse or other loved one can influence a man’s decision to see their healthcare provider.

For men, it’s time to consider showing strength, wisdom and leadership in a new way. When tempted to delay a medical visit, remember that taking care of yourself helps you take care of those who mean the most to you.

For more information on men’s health, visit the health library at Library.CovenantHealth.com.