Every June, backed by a Congressional health education program, the Men’s Health Network seeks to raise awareness about men’s health issues.
Men are less likely to take initiative in maintaining their health, particularly when it comes to going to the doctor for regular checkups, and preventing chronic conditions. In a recent study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), men were found to be overwhelmingly more likely than women to have shirked regular checkups, and to end up seeking emergency healthcare.
Men are:
- 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year
- 28 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for congestive heart failure
- 32 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for long-term complications of diabetes
- 24 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for pneumonia that could have been prevented by getting an immunization
The easiest and simplest way to take care of yourself and those you love is to actively engage in health care to stay up to date on your regular check-ups, including screenings, physical exams, and immunizations.
For men over 70, the CDC and AHRQ recommend regular screenings including:
- an annual physical exam, including blood pressure screening
- screening for testicular cancer, including monthly self exams
- screening for prostate cancer
- screening for lipid disorders
- annual electrocardiogram
- screening for coronary heart disease
- vision and hearing examinations
- screening for bone health and osteoporosis
- screening for depression
- screening for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- remaining up to date on immunization schedule
Based on previous results and/or risk factors, doctors might recommend additional screenings, including colorectal screening and screenings for skin cancer, oral cancer, lung cancer, and sexually transmitted disease
For tips to stay healthy at any age, visit AHRQ’s recommendation page. At AlmaVia of San Francisco, we are committed to helping all our residents live healthy, happy lives. For more information about our services, visit AlmaViaofSanFrancisco.org or call 415-508-5500.
