Did you know that on average, 40% of men only go to a healthcare provider when they think they have a serious medical condition?
Unfortunately, men more than women are at an increased risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Men also have unique issues such as prostate cancer, benign prostate enlargement and testicular cancer making it essential to get screened and know what symptoms to monitor for. It is time for men to take charge of their health to prevent chronic health conditions. So what can you do you?
Here are some things you can do to take care of your health:
- Incorporate healthy eating habits and become physically active.
- If you drink alcohol, consume in moderation.
- Quit smoking.
- Know your family’s health history
- Get screening tests to check for health problems before you have symptoms.
Some other unique facts you should know:
- Low levels of testosterone may cause men to experience fatigue, weight gain, hair loss and sexual dysfunction. If you suspect low testosterone, get your levels tested.
- An enlarged prostate also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia isn’t cancer and has not been linked to cancer. Signs to look out for are painful urination, weak urine flow and urinary incontinence.
- Erectile dysfunction is not considered normal, and it doesn’t just occur in older men. It can occur at any age, and a variety of factors may contribute to this problem.
- A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test measures the level of a protein produced by the prostate that circulates in the blood. Annual testing can indicate a variety of problems, ranging from inflammation to cancer.
- Tumors caused by testicular cancer are most common in men between the ages of 20 and 40. They’re also highly curable. You should perform monthly self-exams and schedule an appointment with your provider if you detect anything abnormal.
Take control of your health today! Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss what screenings are appropriate for you.