Dr. Tamar Syed, a family medicine physician at Mercy Health Lorain Family Health Center, encourages men to get checkups during Men’s Health Awareness Month. (Submitted)
According to a news release from Mercy Health Lorain, June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, making it an important time to encourage the men in your life to get those important health screenings.
Although men tend to avoid going to the doctor for various reasons, trends indicate that they should undergo certain annual medical check-ups to reduce potential health risks and stay healthy, the release said.
“There are a variety of diseases that disproportionately affect men, including obesity, alcohol and tobacco use, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, prostate cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer, but all of these diseases are preventable and manageable,” Dr. Tamar Syed, a family medicine physician at Mercy Health Lorain Family Health Center, said in the release. “And it’s definitely possible to extend your lifespan by making small, but impactful changes.”
Syed mentioned some of the most common health issues that all men should be aware of.
• Heart disease — Approximately 1 in 3 men have cardiovascular disease, which is more prevalent among African Americans. High stress levels, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet can increase the risk of certain types of heart disease.
• Skin cancer — Men tend to die from skin cancer at a higher rate than women, so take this health risk seriously. Skin cancer should be treated as soon as possible. Contact your doctor right away if you notice brown spots with dark spots, painful lesions, asymmetrical lesions, or moles that change size or color, especially on the face or trunk. You should also be especially careful if you have a family history of skin cancer, burn easily in the sun, or have a history of irregular moles.
• Colon cancer — If you’re over 50, you should get screened regularly for colon cancer. Colon cancer is one of the biggest health risks for men, but it’s also the easiest to treat if caught early. Symptoms of colon cancer include bloody stools, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, and unexpected weight loss.
• Prostate cancer — Men over 45 should also get regularly screened for prostate cancer. About 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer, but it’s rare in men under 40. It’s important to get screened if you have symptoms like blood in your semen or urine, pain during ejaculation or urination, or pelvic or lower back pain. However, men with prostate cancer may not notice any symptoms, which makes regular screening even more important.
• Mental illness — While some men may not want to talk about mental illness, they may still suffer from it. Illnesses like depression and anxiety are common health issues among men, so if you notice that your mood is affecting your daily life or relationships, talk to your doctor right away. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a therapist or other mental health professional who can provide help.
“Men tend to ignore small health concerns until they become a big problem,” says Syed, “which is why having a trusted primary care doctor is so important – they can help identify potential health issues early and get you the care you need right away.”
“Men’s Health Month is a timely reminder for men to prioritize their health and well-being. By making positive changes today, men can pave the way for a healthier, happier future.”
The best way to detect problems early is to continue to get important age-appropriate health checkups, he said.
Be sure to check in with your doctor to find out what annual checkups you should have and what diseases you may be at higher risk for, the doctor said.
If you don’t have a family doctor, visit mercy.com to find one near you.
