Men’s health is not just a man’s issue! Men’s health impacts wives, mothers, daughters and sisters. Yet, numerous studies have found that men are more likely than women to resist getting regular checkups. Reach out to the man in your life. Have him take action!
What are some healthcare issues men should know?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in men in the United States
Prostate cancer affects as many men as breast cancer does women
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men 15 to 35 years old
Sleep apnea is common in men aged 40 and older and may increase risk of dying early
Men die an average of six years younger than women
Men visit physicians for prevention 50 percent less than women do.
A yearly physical exam is important because some major health issues display no symptoms at all and can go undetected for months or years. Medical care is essential at every age. Listed below is a rough guide for consideration:
Age 20, an annual testicular and hernia exam
Age 35, a thyroid check
Age 40, annual cholesterol level lab tests
Age 50, your first colonoscopy and your first prostate blood test
Perry Memorial Hospital offers a variety of free or discounted screenings to detect many health conditions:
Free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings are offered 7:30 a.m.- 9 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month in the east main lobby
Chemistry profile: evaluates state of physical well-being *
Lipid profile: evaluates the risk of developing cardiovascular disease *
Thyroid-TSH: evaluates thyroid function and disorder
A1C: diabetes maintenance screening for three-month average
Hemogram: evaluates anemia and looks for infection
Peripheral arterial disease: evaluates the blood flow in the lower extremities
Abdominal aortic aneurysm: evaluates the aorta condition as it passes the abdomen wall
* Requires 12-hour fasting. Self-pay service. No provider order is needed for tests. Must provide a physician’s name and address to receive test results.
Is prostate screening offered?
Signs of prostate cancer are first detected by a doctor during a routine checkup. Measuring the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) concentration in the blood is the primary method of testing for prostate cancer. Free prostate screenings are offered for men 40 (with family history of prostate cancer) and 50 and above not under the care of a urologist. A PSA blood test is available for an additional fee.
Congratulations to Jim, who has been selected as the March Employee of the Month!
Jim serves as Director of Medical Rehab services, and provides Physical Therapy for patients. “We all need help with something at some time and my job represents my opportunity to serve others; to mentor and to share. ”
Jim was selected as Employee of the Month based on a Shout Out submitted on the Perry Proud program. The Shout Out thanked Jim for “consoling a patient who was upset for reasons unrelated to PMH. You really comforted her and took great care of the situation.”
“Everything I do is with a purpose in mind,” Jim explained. When I take an action, I ask myself how it will impact my faith and home life first.” Jim takes pride in making a difference in the lives of his patients, and over the years has had many moments that have affirmed his role in their care. One instance, in particular, stands out to him. “One of my most memorable experiences was in receiving a thank you letter from a former patient… she explained that being greeted with a positive attitude and optimistic outlook helped create a light at the end of the tunnel for her best outcome. I was humbled and will never underestimate my power to impact the patient experience.”
Jim, thank you for exemplifying the Perry Way and being a role model for the Perry team!