November is Men’s Health Awareness Month. Men have special needs and should be evaluated annually by a physician or medical professional. Men are less likely to seek preventative medical attention, and when they do present to healthcare settings, they may have more advanced diseases. Seeking medical care can be a matter of life or death. There are several factors that contribute to the overall health of an individual. These factors are called social determinants of health. The community in which you live, your level of education, your economic stability, and access to healthcare can impact your health. We must encourage the men in our lives to be engaged in their healthcare and seek medical attention when symptoms arise. There are certain diseases that men, black men in particular, are at high risk for. Black men should be screened for heart disease (coronary artery disease), kidney disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity. Below is a list of screening tests your physician should be performing regularly.
List of Health Screenings for Men
Complete Metabolic Panel (To evaluate kidney and liver function)
Prostate Specific Antigen (For Men over age 40 to check the prostate)
Hemoglobin A1c (This is a measure of your blood sugar for the last 90 days and helps diagnose diabetes)
EKG (For men over 40 to evaluate the heart)
BP check (To evaluate for hypertension)
Weight (To evaluate for obesity)
This list is not all-encompassing, but it is a great start. Additional testing may be needed, but your physician will determine that. Encourage the men in your life to get regular healthcare screenings. Early intervention is key!
Here’s to your health!
Comments