Dear friends,
My message around taking charge of your own health is meant for everyone, but right now I want to have a conversation with the men.
We know that June is a month of celebrating fathers, but also during this Men’s Health Month it’s the perfect time to remind you that your health doesn’t just matter for you. But let’s be honest, some of you may treat your health like that spare tire in the trunk. You know it’s there, and hope never to have to deal with it. But just like that tire, your health needs regular check-ups to ensure that you are not caught flat-footed when it matters most.
Men are less likely than women to visit the doctor regularly. In fact, men are about half as likely as women to have visited a doctor within the past year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Men are about half as likely as women to have visited a doctor within the past year.
This reluctance can be a critical misstep, especially when it comes to treatable conditions. For instance, while both men and women are at risk for heart disease, men are more likely to die from it due to delayed diagnoses and treatment.
And prostate cancer, the second most common cancer in men worldwide, is highly treatable, but early detection is crucial. Despite that, many men skip their Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, a valuable screening for detecting prostate cancer. Many are unaware of its importance, or reluctant to undergo screening.
Black men, in particular, are at a higher risk for prostate cancer. As a committee member of the Office of Minority Health at the US. Department of Health and Human Services, I need to mention that 1 in 4 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, compared to 1 in 8 white men. The good news is that early detection can significantly improve survival rates, and can be a lifesaver for those men with a family history of prostate cancer.
High-profile cases like those of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s son Dexter King, who unfortunately earlier this year passed away from prostate cancer, and others such as U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and actor Robert Di Nero, who both were diagnosed with prostate cancer, but received timely treatment, underscore the critical nature of early detection. So, to men and the women who love them, what can you do?
Checklist for men:
- Schedule regular check-ups: Don’t wait until something feels wrong. Annual physicals can catch potential issues early.
- Get screened: Talk to your doctor about PSA tests, especially if you’re over 50. If prostate cancer runs in your family, start discussions with your doctor about screening at age 40, or even earlier. PSA levels can vary depending on age and overall health, so regular screenings and follow-ups with a health care provider are vital for monitoring prostate health.
- Stay active: Regular exercise can lower your risk for many diseases, including prostate cancer.
- Eat well: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats supports overall health.
Checklist for women:
- Encourage check-ups: Gently remind the men in your life to schedule and keep their medical appointments. (And please share this article with them!)
- Ask about screenings: Use Father’s Day as a reminder to discuss PSA tests and other important health screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colon, skin and lung cancer, and others.
- Be supportive: Accompany your spouse or significant other to appointments if they are nervous or need a little extra encouragement.
- Share stories: Sometimes sharing the experiences of others, especially public figures, can motivate action.
Men, taking charge of your health isn’t just about you. By prioritizing regular health check-ups and understanding the importance of early detection, you can lead longer, healthier lives, and be there for your families, friends, and those who look up to you as fathers and role models.
This June as you celebrate being a dad or father figure, remember to also celebrate taking care of yourself, because healthy men make healthy husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, uncles and friends.
Cheers to a healthier you, now and in the future. Happy Father’s Day!
With your health in mind,
