Men have particular health needs at different stages of life. The health care providers at Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers, Inc. are here to help you put together a comprehensive health plan depending on your needs.
Diabetes
An estimated one-third of men with the most common form of diabetes don’t know they have it. Many are unaware of the disease until they develop complications such as impotence, nerve damage causing pain or loss of sensation in the hands or feet, vision loss, or kidney disease.
Some preventive measures you can take:
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Get your fasting blood sugar level checked periodically.
• Know your family’s diabetes history and discuss it with your health
care provider.
Cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer are the second- and third-leading causes of cancer death in men. Lung cancer — 90 percent of it caused by cigarette smoking — is the most common cause of cancer death in both sexes. Following are some preventive measures:
• Lower your intake of cholesterol and saturated fat. Get your
cholesterol checked.
• Get regular blood pressure checks, and if it’s higher than normal,
take measures to control it.
• Don’t smoke.
• Control diabetes.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Manage stress.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
Heart Disease and Stroke
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both sexes. Because men usually develop heart disease 10 to 15 years earlier than women do, they’re more likely to die of it in the prime of life.
You can reduce your risk of heart disease by making healthier lifestyle choices and getting appropriate treatment for other conditions that can increase your risk of coronary artery disease, such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. Some preventive measures you can take:
• Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.
• Eat a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Have your cholesterol tested.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
• Get regular blood pressure checks.
Ruben Hernandez, MD, is medical director of Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers, Inc. To contact a SDFHC health center nearest you, call Canyon Country Health Center 661-424-1220, Val Verde Health Center 661-257-4008 or Newhall Health Center 661-291-1777.