What is Men’s Health Week?
Men’s Health Week is an annual event that runs the week
prior to, and up to Father’s Day and is meant to raise awareness of preventable
diseases and encourage early detection/treatment of disease in males.
Heart disease, stroke, suicide/depression, lung cancer, and
prostate cancer are all conditions that effect men at a very high rate. While
all of these conditions are important to prevent and manage, there is one organ
that is uniquely male, causes multiple health concerns, and is easy to treat
when regular detection takes place. That organ is the prostate.
Even uttering the word prostate is relatively taboo and
evokes discomfort and fear within many males. This social stigma needs to
change and it starts through spreading awareness and understanding about why
regular examination is so important.
The prostate can become inflamed or infected, enlarged
through abnormal growth, or develop cancer. These conditions can effect
urination and sexual function, which drastically changes quality of life. The
good news is that with early detection treatment options are relatively simple
and effective!
The American Cancer Society has released suggestions for men
regarding prostate examination and ways to potentially prevent prostate
conditions.
·
Annual physicals with your physician, Prostate
Specific Antigen blood tests (PSA) and a digital rectal exam (DRE) are simple
ways to screen for prostate issues.
·
Screenings should start at 50 years old for
someone at average risk, 45 years old for someone at high risk, and 40 years
old for individuals at even higher risk based on health factors and family
history.
·
Eat at least 2 ½ cups of a wide variety of
fruits and vegetables each day.
·
Be physically active.
·
Stay at a healthy weight.
·
Possibly take a daily Aspirin and limit
excessive calcium intake.
Always consult your physician regarding health conditions
and medicine or supplement changes. Safety always trumps an uncomfortable
conversation or awkward exam. The health of each male is important not only to
the individual, but their wives, husbands, children, parents, and friends. So
if any questions ever arise do not be scared to ask!
Be well and celebrate Men’s Health Week by spreading
awareness, understanding, and compassion to the men in your lives!
Kyle Kibler, PT, DPT
TheraCORE, Inc.
