Men with “Dad bods” benefit from regular doctor visits to monitor risks for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and colon, prostate and lung cancer. During June’s Men’s Health Month, MercyOne reminds men to prioritize their health through regular screenings.Â
Men face unique health challenges and are statistically more likely to die from chronic and severe diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
“Many issues such as weight, diabetes, alcohol use, and heart disease can be mitigated with simple lifestyle changes,” Dr. Michael Persson of MercyOne Medical Group said in a news release.
MercyOne offered these statistics from USA.gov:
- More than 60% of adult American men are overweight or obese.
- 30.9% of men 18 and older reported having five or more drinks in one day at least once in the past year.
- Only 28.3% of men 18 and older met the 2018 federal physical activity guidelines.
According to MercyOne’s release, prostate cancer risk increases with age, race, and genetics. African American men are twice as likely as white American men to develop prostate cancer. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are also at higher risk.
Early and frequent screening can help diagnose and treat prostate cancer promptly.
Lifestyle and dietary changes, health screenings, and doctor appointments can mitigate these risk factors and identify signs of serious illness early. Among the recommended lifestyle choices are: Eating a healthy diet, exercising, getting enough sleep and drinking alcohol in moderation.
Mental health stigma
The stigma surrounding mental health can prevent men from seeking help. While 31% of men suffer from depression in their lifetime, only one-fourth talk to a mental health professional. Poor mental health can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices and chronic health issues. Men die by suicide nearly four times as often as women.
“Men often fear judgment when facing mental health hurdles. Seeking help is not shameful. I encourage men to seek assistance when troubled,” Dr. Persson said. “Start with your primary care provider during your annual checkup and see what they recommend.”
