Men less likely to visit doctor for medical issues
National Men's Health Week starts June 15 and culminates with Father's Day June 21.
Research shows that men are four times less likely than women to consult a doctor when they experience medical problems. The result is that men need to be treated in hospital emergency rooms much more frequently for serious or life-threatening conditions that could have been prevented or addressed if only they had seen a doctor earlier.
National Men's Health Week is intended to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men.
"Many of the health issues that affect men are preventable, which makes these tests, most often at an annual checkup, even more important," said Dr. Ninad Dixit, who is a member of Vista Physician Group in Gurnee.
Men should visit their doctor for an annual checkup.Recommended screenings for men include blood pressure checked once every two years; cholesterol checked every five years beginning at age 35 - or younger if a smoker and/or has diabetes, high blood pressure, or a genetic predisposition to heart disease; sexually transmitted diseases - all men who are sexually active, should be tested regularly for STDs; and men 45 years of age or older should be screened for diabetes every three years.
Other recommended tests include prostate cancer - a prostate check is usually performed annually, as part of a man's annual physical, beginning at age 50; colorectal cancer - all men should have a colorectal exam, which includes several tests to check the colon and rectum, beginning at age 50; abdominal aortic aneurysm test - The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends screening for men between 65 and 75 who have smoked 100 or more cigarettes in their lifetime.
"All of these tests circle back to the importance of visiting your primary care doctor once a year for a checkup," said Dr. Dixit. "Your doctor will keep tabs on your age and what tests are needed, as well as your family history and possible predisposition for certain diseases."
Other screenings that may be performed during an annual visit may include a screening for depression, as well as an assessment of weight and body mass index (BMI). Excess weight increases the risk for diabetes and heart disease. The doctor may also check for melanoma.