June is National Men’s Health Month and Coliseum Health System says this is a great reminder to the men of middle Georgia that taking care of men’s health issues is important! In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, many people have missed important annual screenings.  Coliseum Health System doctors agree annual checkups with a primary care physician are critically important and encourage men to make it a priority to reschedule those appointments. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), some of the top causes of sickness and death in men are 

Heart Disease & Stroke

Heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of death for men in the U.S. It's important at any age to work on reducing the risk for heart disease. There are plenty of lifestyle changes that people can make to live a more healthy life such as quitting smoking, eating right and exercising regularly.

Dr. Arshad Yousuf, cardiovascular surgeon at Coliseum Heart, Lung & Vascular, said, “Obesity is endemic in America. Most of these patients are diabetic, have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Some of these patients are not even aware the risk they carry for a stroke or heart disease. Diet and exercise are essential for healthy living. It is also necessary to see your doctor for blood pressure measurement and also to get your blood cholesterol and hemoglobin A-1c checked.” 

Cancer

The CDC reports that the leading causes of cancer death in men are lung cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.  Many of the lifestyle changes that can improve heart health also apply to cancer prevention.  Regular preventative health screenings are key. 

Dr. Saleh Eftaiha, colorectal surgeon with Coliseum Surgical Specialists, said, “If men are getting annual preventative checkups, their primary care physician is likely to ask about many of the symptoms associated with the leading causes of cancer.  As a colorectal surgeon, I cannot stress enough the importance of routine colonoscopies in the early detection of colon cancer.”

Unintentional injuries

Accidents happen, and unfortunately they are a leading cause of injury and death in men.  Some accidents cannot be avoided, but many situations can be improved by paying attention and being intentional when it comes to accident prevention.

Dr. John Shivdat, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at Coliseum Medical Centers, said, “The likelihood of injury increases when alcohol is involved.  It’s important that if you drink, you do it responsibly.”

Suicide 

According to national statistics, men are more likely to die by suicide than women. Dr. Cesar Figueroa, a psychiatrist with Coliseum Center for Behavioral Health says depression is a major risk factor in suicide. 

Dr. Figueroa said, “Depression can look different in some people.  It might be sadness in some while in others it’s the inability to sleep, intense fatigue, or a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. Depression is treatable, but it’s important to reach out for help.”

Lifeline is a free assessment or referral line staffed by mental health professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Lifeline can be reached by calling (478) 741-1355 or (800) 548-4221.

Men’s health is important year-round, but the month of June is a great reminder of the importance of these men’s health issues. For more information about the services at Coliseum Medical Centers or Coliseum Northside Hospital or need to find a doctor, visitwww.ColiseumHealthSystem.com.