The month of June is set aside for focusing on Men’s Health. At Momentum we focus on working with patients to get them healthy for life. The approach to this idea is that we want our patients to enjoy life, and never feel like they have to sit on the sidelines because of any chronic or sporadic uncomfortable pain. It’s important to the our overall wellbeing that we enjoy the activities that we love and find ways to stay active.
Unfortunately men have a high tendency to not take health seriously, skipping doctor appointments, waiting to the last minute, and not listening to their bodies. What are some reasons for not going to the doctor? According to a WebMD study done in 2011, these are the reasons:
- I only go to the doctor if I am extremely sick: 36%
- I am healthy, I have no reason to go to a doctor: 23%
- I prefer to treat myself naturally: 12%
- I don’t have time to go to the doctor: 12%
- I don’t have health insurance: 11%
- I don’t like doctors: 8%
- I am afraid of finding out that something is wrong with me: 7%
- I don’t know of a good doctor in my area: 4%
While this study may be from 2011, it’s likely very little has changed, and that’s why we want to take time to share some top issues that are impacting men’s health and keeping them from experiencing a long and happy life.
Men’s Health
Obesity
Obesity is slowly impacting more and more lives, and it’s happening all around us. The busier our lives get, the more we turn to fast food, or processed food from the frozen food aisle at the super market. We tend to make unhealthy choices in a pinch and the result is declining health and a growing waistline. Currently 35% of men over 20 are considered obese, and that number is likely going to grow if national statistics are any indication. Be sure to visit your personal physician before starting an exercise plan, and don’t forget that our PT’s can work with you to create a personalized plan to keep you active a little bit each day and help turn the tide on obesity.
Hypertension
Relax. Relax. Relax. In this busy world it’s easy to forget that stress builds up and can act like a silent killer. Hypertension is a product of stress and unfortunately 33% of males 20+ years of age suffer from it. As we go from meeting to meeting, job to job, family life, etc, stress can build up, and without a proper outlet, it slowly kills us from the inside. Save yourself from this by finding ways to relives stress. Breathing exercises, stretching, a walk, even meditation can all serve as a way to relieve that stress and prevent hypertension from being a life long issue.
Heart Disease
The heart is the central processor for everything we do, and we only have one. Through lack of exercise, lack of proper diet, and high levels of stress, men are setting themselves up for a life of uncertainty. There are some who think heart disease only impacts those in their middle years, but recently doctors have seen patients in their 20’s already suffering from a bad heart. Luckily this is an issue that we can work towards correcting. Barring genetics and such, men can incorporate more activity in their daily lives (especially if their jobs are sedentary), a better diet, and proper ways to reducing stress. A change in one or all three of these areas can relieve the pressure on your heart.
It’s important for men to get seen on a regular basis. From your doctor you can come to us and we can work with you to help keep you healthy for life. Imagine all the fun you can have if you’re not giving up the things you love.
If you or someone you know is ready to make a change and has seen a doctor already, visit your team at Momentum Physical Therapy for a assessment. We are conveniently located all around San Antonio and offer extended hours every day of the week. If you would like a professional opinion/assessment, sign-up for a FREE Pain Assessment. We will then contact you to schedule an appointment for you to come in and have someone take a look. Our goal is to get you healthy for life!
