[title subtitle=”words: Alicia Agent, Director Marketing Communications
Baptist Health – Fort Smith
“][/title]
“I’m fine.”
“I don’t have time.”
“I’d rather tough it out.”
If you’ve ever suggested your boyfriend, husband or father go to the doctor, you’ve probably heard one of those lines a time or two. It’s no secret that some men skip out on yearly screenings or trips to the clinic when they feel sick, even though you both know they should go.
“We all know we should drink more water, eat less, and get more exercise,” said Justin Voris, M.D., of Baptist Health Family Clinic-Massard. “Being diligent and responsible enough to do the right things is more difficult.”
The latest statistics on mortality from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show heart disease, cancer and stroke are among the top five causes of death in the U.S., and women tend to live a few years longer than men. There are many reasons as to why, but Dr. Voris says often busy work schedules and home lives prevent men from seeking preventative care.
“I do find that men seem to be a little more resistant to seeking health care; unless, they have a strong presence of family or friends that encourage them to partner with a physician for health care,” Dr. Voris said.
As a family medicine physician, Dr. Voris sees patients of all ages but stresses it is important for men as they age to undergo routine tests like blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings to stay healthy. Any age is appropriate to seek care with a primary care physician; however, health screenings for cholesterol typically begin at the age of thirty-five, he says.
“As men age, multiple factors come into play, including how they have treated their bodies when they were younger to things that they cannot control such as genetics,” Dr. Voris said. “Family physicians are capable of taking care of many complex health conditions.”
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the leading cause of strokes and heart attacks. High cholesterol can also increase a person’s risk of heart disease. Genetic factors likely play a role in high blood pressure, heart disease and other related conditions, according to the CDC. However, catching symptoms early and treating them properly with lifestyle modifications and medication are important to improving health.
“If there is a family history of health problems, seeking care sooner is advised,” Dr. Voris said. “Depending on your health conditions, it may be recommended to seek care yearly or as often as every three months.”
Other screenings such as colorectal cancer or prostate cancer screening can be done with the help of a specialist, which may require a referral. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in American men after skin cancer, while colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
Screening tests can find both diseases early – sometimes before symptoms develop, when treatments are most effective. Memory, vision and bone density also become more important topics for discussion for a primary care physician, according to Dr. Voris. Depending on age and overall health, vaccines may also be required like a seasonal Influenza shot, Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Td/Tdap) vaccination every 10 years, Zoster to prevent shingles, and the pneumonia vaccine series.
So, what should you do if the man in your life refuses to see a doctor? Be supportive and keep it simple, Dr. Voris says. “If a man notices that something doesn’t seem right about his health or someone is showing concern regarding his health, it is probably worthwhile to have a simple discussion with a physician,” Dr. Voris said.
For more information on how to find a local physician to meet the health care needs of you and your family, visit baptist-health.com, or call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST.
Baptist Health Family Clinic-Massard
6100 Massard Road
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72916
479.709.7250
