You probably take your car to a mechanic for regular maintenance work, or at least do a good checkup on it at home. Do you do the same for yourself?
That’s a bit of a weird question, but it has a point! June is recognized as Men’s Health Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness about common men’s health concerns. One big concern? Many men simply don’t go to the doctor.
A 2019 study from the Cleveland Clinic found that 72% of men surveyed would rather do household chores than see a medical provider. Only half consider getting an annual checkup part of taking care of themselves.
Of course, we know that there are many other reasons why men don’t get the healthcare they need, beyond simply not wanting to go to the doctor. Maybe you haven’t found a primary care provider you trust, or you don’t have health insurance and the costs are too high.
Let us help. At Cempa Community Care, we’re committed to breaking down barriers. Through Cempa, men in the greater Chattanooga community can access the affordable health services they need.
What’s Happening in Men’s Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that heart disease, cancer, and unintentional accidents are the leading causes of death among men in the United States.
Heart disease and cancer are also the leading causes of death among Tennessee men, but the Tennessee Men’s Health Report card offers some other details about men’s health closer to home:
- Black men in Tennessee are more likely to die of colorectal cancer and prostate cancer than white men.
- Men in Tennessee are more likely to die from opioid overdoses than women, with white men more likely to die than Black men.
- The number of men diagnosed with HIV increased in every racial and ethnic group in the state between 2017 and 2020.
- Suicide is among the top five causes of death for Tennessee men ages 18 to 54.
- Life expectancy for men in Tennessee is five years shorter than for women.
Reading through these numbers can be a bit alarming, but many of these health issues are preventable. You can take steps to lower your risk.
What You Can Do to Keep Yourself Safe & Healthy
Wondering what you can to protect your health? Scheduling a checkup with a primary care provider here at Cempa is a good first step. Regular checkups help your provider gauge your current health status and what can be improved.
Routine blood work and other tests can help you learn whether you’re at risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer. Our providers can also help you stay up to date with age-appropriate screenings and vaccinations.
Here are some other steps you can take:
- Create healthy habits. You’ve heard it before, but exercising regularly, eating a diet filled with fruits and veggies, getting enough quality sleep, and finding healthy ways to manage stress can all give your health a boost. With each small step you take, you can lower your risk of health issues now and in the future.
- Don’t take unnecessary risks. Protect yourself from traumatic brain injuries by wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle and practicing safe driving habits. Limit your alcohol consumption, and never drink and drive. If you use injectable drugs, use clean needles, and if you’re sexually active, practice safe sex.
- Get screened. Your doctor can tell you what screenings you need and when, based on your age, sex, and lifestyle. This can include routine cancer screenings, as well as screenings for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
- Stop smoking (and vaping). Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death, and it damages nearly every part and system of the body. Vaping might seem like a safer option, but the vapor contains all sorts of chemicals and potential carcinogens. Talk with a medical provider about the best strategy for quitting.
- Speak up about your mental health. For many men, expressing emotions is seen as a sign of weakness. In reality, sharing what you’re feeling with others can help you stay mentally strong. If you’re persistently feeling sad or anxious, you may benefit from talking with a behavioral health specialist.
We’re here to help men in our community stay healthy and well. At Cempa, you can access many different health services in one location, including primary care, diagnosis and treatment for infectious diseases such as HIV, dental care, and mental health care.
