Dear IHC Patients...

This year, Men’s Health Network (MHN) is focused on the theme of a new decade. With a new decade comes the opportunity to both look back and look forward. This time for both reflection and "prospection" gives us all a unique opportunity to evaluate how we've been dealing with our (men's... this includes me) health, both physical and mental. Men, especially, should take this time to do just that.

 

In general, men are less likely to take care of themselves and their health than women. MHN adviser, Armin Brott, notes that, "Men are half as likely to visit the doctor for a check-up as women are, and there are over 7 million American men who have not seen a doctor in over 10 years.”

 

A Cleveland Clinic survey in 2019 found that 82% of men report trying to stay healthy and live longer for those who rely on them, yet only 50% engage in preventive care. Men cited embarrassment, lack of convenience, not wanting to hear a bad diagnosis, and being told as children not to complain about medical problems as reasons for pushing off a visit to their health care provider. Partly as a result of dedicating less time to their personal health, male life expectancy is about 5 years less than women.

 

Now, in 2020 and the new decade, it is time for that to change. Men of every age need to be taking the time to focus on their mental and physical well-being. From 19 to 90, even if you are in “perfect” shape, a man should still be making routine appointments with his providers. There are several times in his life a man should be getting routine appointments with his health care provider to ensure that he is maintaining good health. Men are not invincible and should be engaging with their providers on a regular basis. Regular check-ups and appointments mean taking responsibility for your health and well-being and being a real man. We are here for you at IHC and want to ensure your health is a priority for you and those you love!

 

To coincide with the new decade and renewed responsibility for health, especially in the time of Coronavirus, here’s a breakdown of each decade of a man’s life, and when he should be getting certain check-ups with his healthcare provider:

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In your 20's

• Every year – a physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test & urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam

• Every 5 years – TB skin test

• Every 10 years – Tetanus booster

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In your 30's

• Every year – a physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test & urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam, electrocardiogram (EKG) for heart abnormalities

• Every 5 years – TB skin test

• Every 10 years – Tetanus booster

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In your 40's

• Every year – a physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test & urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam, electrocardiogram (EKG) for heart abnormalities, prostate 
  specific antigen (PSA) screening, hemoccult test

• Every 5 years – TB skin test 

• Every 10 years – Tetanus booster 

• With physician’s discretion – chest x-ray, testosterone screening

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In your 50's

• Every year – a physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test & urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam, electrocardiogram (EKG) for heart abnormalities, prostate 
  specific antigen (PSA) screening, hemoccult test 

• Every 5 years – TB skin test 

• Every 10 years – Tetanus booster 

• With physician’s discretion – chest x-ray, testosterone screening, bone density screening

 

During Men’s Health Month, it is important to emphasize the importance of each of these screenings and check-ups. Each and every one is necessary for maintain good health and being aware of your body.

 

This decade, let’s decide to dedicate more time and focus to our primary care,   health, and well-being.

 

Yours, 

Scully

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Sources:
Brott, A., & Men's Health Network Advisory Board. (n.d.). Blueprint for Men's Health: A Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle. Washington, D.C.: Men's Health Network. Wheeler, T. (2019, September 5). Cleveland Clinic Survey: Men will do Almost Anything to Avoid Going to the Doctor. Retrieved April 16, 2020, from  https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2019/09/04/clevelandclinic-survey-men-will-do- almost-anything-to-avoid-going-to-the-doctor/