Men’s Health Month is a crucial topic. It highlights the importance of men actively taking charge
of their well-being.
Men Don’t Talk About Their Health
It’s no secret that men, for a variety of reasons, often shy away from openly discussing their
health. Dr. Michael Luft, family medicine provider at CCMH, observes men are notorious for not
taking care of themselves.
“Most men spend their time going to work and taking care of everyone else in the family. This
tendency to be closed-mouthed about health, even with spouses, can lead to serious
consequences. It’s important for men to seek medical advice and see their primary care provider
at least yearly.”
Silent Symptoms and Prostate Cancer
Dr. Luft notes there are many ‘silent symptoms’ that men might overlook. One of the
cornerstones of men’s preventative health is the annual physical. This is especially true for the
Prostate-Specific Antigen or PSA test.
“A PSA test is easy to get through a routine blood screening. It is absolutely vital for early
detection and intervention for prostate cancer. If you’re high risk, a PSA test is paramount for
men over the age of 45. Nonetheless, every man should start receiving an annual PSA test
starting at age 50. A high PSA score can be the first indicator of a problem, making early
detection the key to treating prostate cancer.”
Diabetes Detection and Treatment
Beyond prostate health, annual blood work offers a wealth of information. These tests can
reveal crucial insights into various aspects of health, such as blood sugar levels. Dr. Luft warns
the rise of Type 2 diabetes in the United States, particularly in Iowa, is a growing concern.
“By the time symptoms become noticeable, the diabetes may have progressed significantly.
Regular blood tests can detect Type 2 diabetes early, allowing for timely management and
improved outcomes.”
Heart Health
Another critical area where men often delay seeking help is heart health.
“Despite potential warning signs, men frequently put up with a lot health things that are going on
related to their heart. Annual visits are invaluable for identifying heart disease earlier rather than
later. At CCMH, advancements in technology offer promising tools, such as the coronary artery
calcium scoring test. This test utilizes a newer, advanced Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
to detect atherosclerosis in our hearts. It can help determine who’s at risk and needs to be
treated earlier rather than later.”
Diet and Exercise
Of course, diet and exercise are fundamental pillars of good health for everyone, including men.
Dr. Luft strongly advocates for staying active.
“I recommend a good 7,000 to 10,000 steps in a day. The importance of making wise dietary
choices cannot be overemphasized. We can choose to eat less packaged foods, and eat more
healthy, fresh foods. Visit with your primary care provider to get personalized advice on
improving diet and exercise routines. Your provider can also ensure your heart is healthy
enough for physical activity.”
Sleep Is Foundational
Beyond diet and exercise, Dr. Luft relates that sleep often gets overlooked but is equally crucial
to good health.
“Diet, exercise, and good sleep are pretty much the basic building blocks for good health for just
about anybody. Aiming for at least eight hours of sleep a day has been linked to less disease
and a healthier life. Poor sleep can impact weight management. Studies show that when we get
less sleep, we produce excess cortisol. This activates our hunger, requires us to eat more
calories, and that in turn makes us put on more weight and then get less healthy. If you’re
struggling with sleep, your provider can help diagnose underlying issues through a sleep study.”
Vaccinations
Finally, as men age, it’s essential to consider appropriate vaccinations and cognitive health. Dr.
Luft recommends the shingles vaccine for men over 50, given in two doses, emphasizing its
great prevention against a very debilitating and potentially dangerous condition. Annual flu
shots, the newer pneumonia vaccine, and tetanus boosters every 10 years are also vital for
maintaining health.
Healthy Habits Lead to Better Memory
Regarding memory issues, Dr. Luft reinforces the importance of all the healthy habits noted
above and then giving our brains a workout, too..
“Just as we exercise our bodies, we must exercise our minds through activities like word
puzzles or reading rather than being glued to a phone, device, a television. Keeping the mind
stimulated is key.”
See Your Family Healthcare Provider
If you don’t currently have a family medicine provider, we encourage you to connect with Dr. Luft
or any of the other providers at CCMH by calling 712-265-2700. You can also request an
appointment online. Taking proactive steps for your health today can lead to a healthier, more
vibrant tomorrow.
