Men’s Health Month: preventive health a priority across Navy Medicine East

PORTSMOUTH , VA, UNITED STATES

06.06.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephane Belcher 

Naval Medical Forces Atlantic

While it’s important for all Sailors—both men and women—to focus on their health, Navy Medicine East and its facilities join the nation in recognizing June as Men’s Health Month.

Navy Medicine East’s hospitals and clinics across the eastern hemisphere are taking this opportunity to focus on men’s health concerns, from prostate, testicular, skin and colon cancers to hypertension, obesity and heart disease. Given prevention is the best medicine, the Navy Medicine East health care community is increasing awareness by providing patients with the tools and resources they need to ensure Sailors and Marines are healthy and ready to defend America at all times.

“There is nothing more important than the health and well-being of our Sailors, Marines and their families—it is what we do and why Navy Medicine exists.” said Capt. Brian Bowes, a Navy Medicine East physician currently serving as the head of clinical programs. “Healthy lifestyles, routine screening for the early detection and treatment of health issues can prevent long-term health problems.”

According to the Men’s Health Network, American men on average live sicker and die younger than American women. There are areas of concern that affect men differently than women. Men are more likely to gain weight around their midsection due to higher testosterone levels.

Excessive weight and obesity place people at a greater risk for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Specifically, fat around the midsection increases the risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Additionally, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that more than 300,000 men per year in the U.S. die from cancer. Quitting tobacco, getting screened, staying active and maintaining healthy lifestyles are a few ways to improve overall health, and also help lower the risk of cancer.

Here are a few steps boys and men can take to help live healthier lifestyles:

− Get recommended routine screenings as they are key to prevention. Some important ones include screenings for cholesterol after age 35; diabetes for men with risk factors such as high blood; HIV for anyone under 65; lung cancer for current or former smokers age 55 to 80; and blood pressure every two years.

− Be aware of behaviors and habits. When starting a new habit, such as flossing, repeat it or practice it frequently. And challenge family and friends to start a healthy habit. A little bit of friendly competition is great motivation.

− Get moving! Playing sports, mowing the lawn, taking the stairs or even riding a bike to work are a few ways to become active. There’s nothing wrong with starting small and progressing to more moderate physical activity.

− Don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight, get plenty of rest and limit alcohol intake.

− Prior to going to the doctor make a list detailing medical conditions, medications and health problems with questions about needed information and guidance. While there, be sure to get everything answered.

For more information about men’s health, visit https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Operation-Live-Well/Preventive-Health/Mens-Health and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/CancerAndMen/.

NME oversees the delivery of medical, dental and other health care services to approximately one million patients across almost 100 facilities—including the Tidewater Military Health System which brings together McDonald Army Health Center, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley. Plus, its public health activities extend globally. For more information, visit www.med.navy.mil/sites/nme.

• Date Taken: 06.06.2017
• Date Posted: 06.06.2017 12:39
• Story ID: 236530
• Location: PORTSMOUTH , VA, US