June is he month when we celebrate and honor fathers and the other important men in our lives. June is also Men’s Health Month, dedicated to raising awareness of preventable health diseases among men and boys while encouraging early detection and treatment.
Men’s Health Month is a great time to remind your loved ones to schedule a physical, if they don’t already get a regular one each year. Recommended screenings for men, ages 40-64 years, include (according to the National Institutes of Health):
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Blood pressure
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Cholesterol
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Diabetes
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Colon/rectal cancer (if certain risk factors are present)
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Prostate cancer (if certain risk factors are present)
Another important condition to screen for in men, that often falls under the radar, is osteoporosis. Many tend to think of osteoporosis as a disease primarily affecting women, but millions of men also are diagnosed each year.
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that causes progressive bone loss and an increased risk of breaks and fractures. It is typically diagnosed via a bone density test.
Risk factors that may contribute to male osteoporosis are:
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Diseases affecting the kidneys, lungs, stomach, and intestines
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Regular use of certain medications, such as glucocorticoids
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Low levels of testosterone
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Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, poor diet, and inadequate physical exercise
Osteoporosis can be managed with proper nutrition, exercise, medication (in some cases), and/or calcium and vitamin D supplements. It is recommended that men get each about 1,200 mg of calcium and between 600-800 IU of vitamin D daily.
If you are concerned about osteoporosis, or would like to schedule a bone density test, please contact us for an appointment.
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