Taking a proactive approach to your health starts with regular visits to your doctor, especially as you age. The more you and your doctor can have an ongoing dialog about your health, the better equipped you’ll both be should you experience a more serious issue.
Men are twice as likely to put off going to the doctor than women and often wait to see a physician only when they are experiencing an urgent medical issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women are 33 percent more likely than men to visit a doctor, and 100 percent more likely to visit a doctor for annual exams.
As men age, their risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, lung and prostate cancer become more prominent. However, regularly talking to your doctor about your family history and preventative actions to take can help keep these at bay or identify issues early, which increases the chances of successful treatment and improves outcomes. Diet, exercise and monitoring weight and stress levels are critical components of prevention in these diseases.
Some men don’t want to think about their family history of prevention as it may cause them stress. It’s good to have people in your life who you can talk to about these issues and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Adult Day Health programs can help men stay on track with their heath with trained staff monitoring the wellbeing of all participants. Some men may feel more comfortable talking with a trained health professional on staff that they see every day than discussing with a provider they see less frequently. Nursing staff can also work with participants on what to expect at their next visit with their physician and help them feel comfortable and empowered to ask questions.
As part of National Men’s Health Month, encourage a man in your life to make an appointment with his physician and learn preventable actions to take for a healthier lifestyle. Do you know a man who could benefit from an Adult Day Health program? Contact us today at outreach@elderdayservices.org or 781-863-1166 ext 104 to learn more about how we can help him age in place while serving his health and socialization needs.
