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June is Men's Health
Month....but women can benefit too!
By
Joan Wright |
 Norwell
- When we’re feeling fine, the idea of seeing a doctor
seems a bit silly. And sometimes when we’re not feeling
well, we may put off or totally avoid seeing the doctor. But
it’s a proven fact that having yearly and age appropriate
health screenings can improve health and reduce premature
death and disability. June is Men’s Health Month, a good
reminder of the important, and often, simple health
screenings men over age 50 should have annually. The
information that follows is a compilation of recommendations
from various healthcare organizations to encourage a healthy
dialogue with one’s health care provider. It should not be
construed as medical advice and/or a substitute for
discussion with a physician. Specific tests and screenings
should be discussed individually with one’s doctors.
Everyone over 50 should have an annual physical, which
typically involves a blood pressure check and blood work.
The blood work might include a check of cholesterol, blood
sugar, kidney or thyroid dysfunction and a testosterone
level check. Fatigue and depression are two less obvious low
testosterone symptoms. A prostate specific antigen - PSA–
blood test should be conducted annually as well as a
hemoccult stool test (to screen for blood).
Family history or high risk factors dictate many health
screenings and how often they should be conducted, thus it’s
important to discuss such factors with one’s doctor.
Typically, men 50 and older should have an EKG every three
(3) years; a TB test every five (5) years; and a tetanus
booster every 10 years. Smokers should discuss with their
doctors the need for an annual chest x-ray. At age 60, it is
recommended that men speak to their physicians about having
a bone mineral density test.
Everyone dreads the colonoscopy, or more realistically, the
prep! But colorectal cancer is the second highest cause of
cancer-related deaths for men and women combined (the third
highest for men and women separately). The American Society
for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) contends that the
colonoscopy remains the most effective screening option for
colorectal cancer. Colonoscopies are usually conducted every
three to five years, but one’s family history and/or
previous screenings truly dictate the frequency of this test
so each person should discuss this individually with their
doctor.
Annual skin screenings are also recommended. There has been
a 300% increase in skin cancer incidence since 1994 (source:
The Skin Cancer Foundation and Archives of Dermatology).
Knowing one’s type of skin and how to best protect it is
important. One’s primary care doctor can refer to a
dermatologist for yearly checks and www.skincancer.org
offers guidelines and helpful checklists.
Just because June is Men’s Health Month, it should not
preclude women from keeping up with their respective health
screenings! Many of the above recommendations are suggested
for women as well. In addition, women should do monthly self
breast exams and have a yearly mammogram. Women over age 50
should discuss with their doctors the need for pap tests,
pelvic exams, estrogen screening and bone density testing as
these tests are very much individualized to one’s specific
situation.
While tests and screenings may seem somewhat overwhelming,
they really allow and empower people to have control over
their individual health. And control doesn’t stop at the
tests and screenings. Eating well and including exercise in
one’s daily regimen is essential to a healthy lifestyle.
So, be sure to discuss exercise and diet plans with one’s
doctor as well. With the summer months ahead, June is a
wonderful time to visit the doctor and start moving towards
a healthier you!
Resources:
Men’s Health Network:
http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/pdfs/GetIt-Checked.pdf
Women’s Health: www.womenshealth.gov
American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
Skin Cancer Foundation: www.skincancer.org
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About The Author
Joan Wright,
CMC, a certified geriatric care manager, is a member of
Norwell VNA and Hospice’s Alzheimer’s Care Specialty Team
and geriatric care management team. She co-facilitates NVNA
and Hospice’s support groups for caregivers of early, mid
and late stage Alzheimer’s. For more information on NVNA and
Hospice and all of its programs, you may call (781)659-2342
or visit the agency’s web site at www.nvna.org.
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