By Tom Everts PA-C, IFM CP
June is Men’s Health Month, and throughout my time in clinic I’ve noticed that it’s rare for a man to present for a routine workup. Men don’t like going to the doctor. It’s cliché, but true. It is usually when things really start to go wrong that we go in. This makes it difficult to get ahead of the disease process and prevent unnecessary suffering.
When we think about men’s health, what may come to mind is prostate cancer, which is no joke. Though because many prostate cancers will not present with symptoms until later stages, if at all, it’s not a main driver of getting men into the clinic. Erectile dysfunction, on the other hand, get’s the attention of men much sooner. Erectile dysfunction is a multidimensional condition associated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. You hear that guys? If it’s not working like it used to, a workup must be done!
In addition, many men are beginning to experience symptoms of low testosterone much sooner than in previous decades. These symptoms include fatigue, decreased sex drive, loss of muscle mass and depression. It’s not just that men are experiencing these symptoms, testosterone rates nationwide appear to be dropping by about 1% per year. Though it is likely multifactorial, a clear association is the increasing rate of obesity.
There are other chronic conditions that disproportionately afflict men, some of which are life-threatening, including heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. These may present with symptoms earlier in the disease process, including headaches, shortness of breath, tingling in the feet or frequent urination. This is your body telling you that something is out of balance, and it’s time to listen.
Our lifestyle plays a huge role in either promoting or preventing the chronic diseases discussed above from taking over our life. The food we eat, the way we move our body, our level of stress, the amount of sleep we get and our community are all contributing factors to our overall health. Let’s take a look at some ways to prevent chronic disease…
Eating Strategy:
Eating a variety of vegetables, especially colorful vegetables, increases the amount of antioxidants and phytonutrients in our system. This helps reduce inflammation, a contributing factor to most chronic diseases. Limiting or avoiding high glycemic index foods is important to reduce the risk of elevated sugars and diabetes, which is directly linked to several men-specific conditions.
Movement:
Resistance training is a great way to send signals of vitality throughout our system, and key in promoting increased testosterone levels. High-Intensity interval training is an efficient way to promote muscle growth and work our cardiovascular system.
Stress Management:
This can take many different forms, the most recognizable being meditation. However, my suspicion is that most men aren’t going to jump into a routine meditation practice, though it would be a good idea. Here are some other things that help with stress: listening to music, walks in nature, art, deep breathing and exercise.
Sleep:
Crucially important to regulating key hormones and inflammation, sleep is non-negotiable in the discussion around chronic disease prevention. Get your 7-8 hours. Make it happen.
Community:
Find a group that you enjoy being around that shares a common interest. Maybe you’re currently fighting one of the chronic diseases listed above. There’s a group for that! Find the support you need to make lifestyle changes easier.
It’s time to take control of your health guys! Don’t let chronic disease take away your quality of life. Go in for that check-up, get regular labs and implement the lifestyle changes shown to reduce your risks. There are communities out there to help you along this journey. You’re not alone.
Linell King MD, renowned internist and author of “Mastering Vitality” received his medical degree from the University Of Wisconsin School Of Medicine, and completed his residency at The Johns Hopkins University Sinai Hospital Program of Internal Medicine. He has been practicing for twenty years; currently at his “Naples Vitality” office in Naples, FL.
Our practice size is limited to ensure the best possible care for our clientele; we qualify and accept patients committed to working collaboratively to create improved health and continued success.
Naples Vitality
239-465-0098
www.Naplesvitality.com
3411 Tamiami Trail N. Suite 200
Naples, FL 34103