22 June 2022
Dr. Matthew Kaiser
Solomon Islands people will know from my regular writing about health issues, health needs and services, that I do concern myself for their welfare and health.
This letter today, addressed to Solomon Islands men, I have to confess has been largely prompted by the sudden, unexpected loss of my only son at 49 yrs from a heart attack just over a week ago.
I would not wish any family to lose their dear, father, son, brother, or close male relative from lack of health issues that are preventable if only the kind of advice the following article relates to.
Please, I would urge all to read it and for the MHMS to introduce health screening and medical check-ups for men and women as part of general health care and practice as soon as possible as part of improved primary health care services
Quote
13 percent of men 18 and older are in fair to poor health, and they die at higher rates than women from the three leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries.
June is Men’s Health Month and the focus on men’s health is important for him and to a family’s overall health. I have many patients from a certain generation who are hesitant to come in and talk about what may be ailing them. Loved ones sometimes have to encourage the men in their lives to come in and talk about their health.
To start, men should get regular screenings to find problems early. Screenings are medical tests that doctors use to check for diseases and health conditions before signs or symptoms. Depending on your age and medical history, you may be screened for certain types of cancer, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases and mental health conditions, like depression.
Leading a heart healthy lifestyle is the most significant step a man can take to ensure good health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, and in 2019, it accounted for nearly one in every four male deaths. Unfortunately, heart disease can go undiagnosed until a man experiences signs or symptoms of a heart attack, arrhythmia (chest palpitations) or heart failure.
Major risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight or obese, eating an unhealthy diet, a lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol use.
To reduce your chances of getting heart disease, it’s important to do the following:
Know your numbers and participate in regular screenings. High blood pressure has no symptoms, so it’s essential to check it regularly. High cholesterol also has no signs or symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to get checked. If you have either, effective treatment options are available.
Eat well. Maintain a healthy diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low levels of added sugar, sodium, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol. Try a green salad instead of fries and drink water instead of a sugary soda.
Get moving. Thirty minutes a day, five times a week, of moderate exercise will help maintain a healthy body weight and improve mood and heart health. If you’re new to exercising, begin with short walks or light-intensity activities and gradually build up to longer walks or more moderate or vigorous exercise.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to one drink a day.
Get a good night’s rest. Sleep is essential to good health; most adults need between seven and nine hours nightly. The quality of your sleep is just as important. If you have insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or sleep apnea (gasping for breath while snoring), talk to your doctor.
Lower your stress level and find meaningful ways to cope with stress. Life can get tough; discussing things with a mental health professional can help.
Men, this month is the perfect time to see your doctor and focus on the early detection and treatment of any health condition. If you haven’t seen your doctor recently because of the pandemic or any other reason, pick up the phone and make an appointment today.
Footnotes.
Dr. Matthew Kaiser is a family medicine physician with PeaceHealth Medical Group. PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. For more ways to stay your healthiest: peacehealth.org/healthy-you.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Healthy You: Men, don't put off regular screenings and checkups
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Source – YAHOO NEWS.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
