MAN UP. Take Control of Your Health

June is Men’s Health Month, a chance for both men and women to increase their awareness of the potentially significant health problems that men face, as well as what steps you can take to prevent such problems. Taking care of yourself is part of being the best man you can be.

One of the most dangerous challenges men face is a general reluctance to seek care for health complications or routine check-ups. In fact, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), men are 24%(percent) less likely than women to have seen a doctor in the past year.

“Men experience different, but no less serious, health problems than women,” said Maureene Andrews, Physician Assistant at Catawba Valley Family Medicine – Viewmont. “Heart disease, cancer, and accidents (unintentional injuries) are the top causes of death for men. The most commonly diagnosed cancers among men include prostate, lung, and colorectal.”

With the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more emphasis is being placed on screening tests to detect diseases earlier when they are easier to treat. Andrews encourages men to resist the tendency to avoid seeing doctors and check with their primary care provider to start having regular checkups and screenings for conditions such as colon and prostate cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Being active in your own health can help you stay one step ahead of some of the things that put you at risk for discomfort and disease. Ask your primary care provider about how often you should come in for a checkup. And, if there’s something that’s bothering you – a new ache or pain that’s hanging around for more than a week – or getting worse, check in with your health care provider.

“Don’t overlook your annual flu shot,” said Andrews. “This protects you from the most likely strains to hit that particular season. And, if you have certain medical complications or you’re over 65, you should also get a shot to prevent pneumonia.”

Andrews is now scheduling patients Catawba Valley Family Medicine – Viewmont. Make an appointment with her or talk with your own primary care provider about which immunizations and screening are best for you. Located at 221 13th Ave. Pl. NW, Suite 202, Hickory NC 28601, appointments are available by calling 828.324.1699.

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