It’s November, a month when #Movember is trending, and men face health issues like heart disease, colon cancer and depression head on. These are major health issues that contribute to the fact that men live nearly six years less than women on average.
Fast facts
Heart disease is one of the most common causes of death in men. Regular checkups with your primary care provider to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar can all help to prevent the onset of heart disease.
- Colon cancer is a common cancer in men that is quite preventable with appropriate screening. A colonoscopy is a very accurate way to screen for colon cancer. Your primary care provider would be glad to discuss this with you and get you set up for this procedure. For most men, screening should start at age 45.
- Skin cancer is another very common cancer in men. Wearing protective clothing outdoors, sunscreen, hats and routine skin checks with a primary care provider can help catch skin cancers early.
- Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Middle-aged men are often most at risk, but also less likely to speak to a doctor about their health and well-being.
Facing men’s health head on
There are many steps men can take to play a more active role in their health and well-being. Movember helps raise awareness of the issues men face, but the path to better health for men includes getting more involved. The next step is to
select a primary care provider and make an appointment, go to the doctor for an annual physical or get a referral to speak with a mental health counselor.
The fact remains that men are much less likely to receive routine screenings or have a primary care provider, someone who truly acts as a partner for your health and well-being.
“My mission is to deliver personal and comprehensive care to my patients,” says
David Hopkins, D.O., a primary care physician at
INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Guthrie. “I focus on preventive medicine and take a holistic approach to diagnose and treat illnesses. Medicine is best accomplished using a team-based approach, so I educate my patients to empower them to play an active role in their health care. It would be my privilege to care for you and your family.”
If you’re struggling with depression, visit
INTEGRIS Health Mental Health to learn more, or if you’re in need of immediate assistance, the national suicide prevention lifeline is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
