Premier surgeon encourages men to be mindful of their health
One reason women live longer than men may be because they typically pay more attention to their health. During Men’s Health Month, the physicians at Premier Surgical Associates remind men to take advantage of screenings and do self-exams.
“Given the choice between undergoing a simple health screening or suffering a life-threatening illness, it’s safe to assume most men would choose the screening,” said Dr. Michael E. Kelly, a general surgeon with Premier Surgical Associates. “Unfortunately, far too many men ignore recommendations for routine health screenings and as a result are dying of the top causes of death at higher rates than women and, on average, die six years younger than women.”
Kelly added, “Regular physicals and age-appropriate screenings can improve health and reduce premature death and disability. We want to reach men with the message that they need to make their health a priority.”
The Men’s Health Network, a nonprofit education organization made up of physicians, researchers and other health professionals, recommends the following schedule for checkups and screenings:
Physical exam – Every three years from age 20-39; every two years from age 40-49; and annually beginning at age 50.
Blood pressure – Every year.
Blood tests and urinalysis – Every three years from age 20-39; every two years from age 40-49; and annually beginning at age 50.
Rectal exam – Every year. Rectal exams screen for hemorrhoids, lower rectal problems, colon and prostate cancer.
PSA blood test – Every year beginning at age 50; at age 40 or earlier for African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer.
Hemoccult – Every year beginning at age 40. This test screens the stool for microscopic amounts of blood that may be the first indication of polyps or colon cancer.
The organization also suggests that beginning at age 20 men perform monthly self exams of their testicles to find lumps in their earliest stages; their skin to look for signs of changing moles, freckles or early skin cancer or melanoma; their mouths to look for signs of cancerous lesions; and their breasts to find abnormal lumps in their earliest stages. Men should report any concerns from self-exams to their primary care physician.
In addition to screenings, men can improve their health by following a healthy, well-balanced diet; getting plenty of exercise; staying smoke and tobacco-free; managing stress; and being aware of risk factors.
