Northwest Health encourages men to get their annual wellness exam added to the calendar
Research backs up the long-standing stereotype that men avoid going to the doctor. In fact, 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, men’s bodies need routine and preventive maintenance, too” said Jennifer DeFauw, FNP-C, Family Medicine nurse practitioner. “As fathers, husbands, coworkers, friends, men owe it to the people who care about them to take care of themselves—not just when they’re sick.”
DeFauw encourages men to be proactive about their health this Men’s Health Week, June 10 - 16, and to be on the lookout for common health issues she sees among male patients:
Heart Disease
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.
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.
Low Testosterone
While it’s normal for testosterone levels to decrease over time, it’s becoming more prevalent among younger men. Four out of 10 men have low testosterone by the age of 45, according to the Urology Care Foundation.
Depression
The suicide rate among men is four times higher than among women, according to CDC. And the American Psychological Association reports 30 percent of men have suffered from depression at some point during their lives.
“While you may not feel comfortable discussing health concerns or below-the-belt issues with buddies, it should not be embarrassing to talk to a healthcare provider,” added DeFauw. “Serious health issues can often be addressed and are easier to treat when found early.”
In fact, primary care providers use screenings that check for conditions before many people experience signs and symptoms of a health problem. Depending on age and family medical history, DeFauw says an annual physical 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 exams
Men’s Health Week serves as a reminder to schedule your annual wellness exam. Northwest Medical Group offers convenient, online appointment scheduling. Make an appointment by visiting MyNWMedicalGroup.com.
About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is a regional healthcare system committed to providing communities in Northwest Indiana with high-quality, accessible health care — from highly specialized care and surgical services to more routine primary care. The system of more than 60 access points includes three hospitals, five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service, and physician offices. A team of more than 3,000 employees work together with the more than 700 physicians on its medical staffs to fulfill its mission: to help people get well and live healthier. For more information, visit NWHealthIN.com.
