Men’s Health
In today’s diet-obsessed, “battle of the bulge,” post–Super Size Me world, health and fitness have taken center stage in the media and in many people’s minds. Obesity has been declared an epidemic, and every day, some new weapon is revealed – from Tae-Bo to Atkins to weight-loss supplements. But behind all the hype and gimmickry, there is actually an important message: We must take care of our health.
What gets lost, however, is that health is about more than being thin. Being physically fit (which, of course, is not the same thing as being thin) is only part of the health equation. To be truly healthy, one must eat well, get proper sleep, avoid stress and seek regular checkups with a medical professional. Doctors play an important part in any truly healthy lifestyle.
Men, in particular, need to incorporate their doctors more in their efforts to live well. Men seek medical advice far less often than women, and yet, they are more likely to smoke and drink, and they often identify more strongly with their careers, leading to increased levels of stress. This leaves men especially vulnerable to heart disease, the number-one killer in the United States. Is it really any wonder that men’s life expectancy lags behind women’s by as much as five years?
Second to their hearts, men need to look after their sexual and reproductive systems. Prostate cancer is extremely common, especially in older men, and testicular cancer may threaten the health and fertility of males as early as infancy. Regular prostate exams and monthly testicular self-examinations can greatly increase the chances of detecting a cancer early – when chances for treatment are greatest and risk of spreading is minimal.
At any stage – be it prevention, diagnosis or treatment – doctors play an integral role, offering expertise, advice and support. In this section, you’ll find an overview of several key issues in men’s health today and, more importantly, facts and questions about them to discuss with your doctor.
Arming yourself with information is important, but only your doctor can put that information in context and explain exactly what it means for you personally. So get informed, and then get in touch with your doctor. A checkup once a year could add years to your life!
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Your health is too important to take lightly. The information on this website is intended to start you down the path to living well, but it’s only just the beginning.
Each of us is unique, and we all deserve the individual attention that only a health care professional can provide. So do what’s in your best interest - take the next step and find doctors or surgeons in your area today.