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ASK THE SPECIALIST: MEN’S HEALTH TOPICS TO CONSIDER
Men’s Health Topics to Consider
By Jeremy Allen, M.D.
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As we face the fact that the year is halfway over, we just wrapped up Men’s Health Month this past June. This is a time to focus on helpful tips to educate men on important screenings and necessary exams. As parents, we must care for our children, but we also have to focus on ourselves and the ones we love, so we can be there for our little ones.
When one mentions the term “men’s health,” most people will automatically think it means to provide regular health checks on reproductive organs. But men’s health is much more widespread. Men’s health can encompass the overall physical, emotional, mental, sexual and spiritual well-being of males.
Dr. Jeremy Allen, primary care provider affiliated with Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Brookwood Baptist Health, shared some quick thoughts on men’s health and why it should be considered for more than just the month of June. primary care provider, what are often overlooked areas of men’s health that we should keep in mind?
One of the top causes of the thing most men worry about (erectile dysfunction and low testosterone) is caused by undiagnosed or uncontrolled sleep apnea. That doesn't mean you have to snore. It means you are not getting enough oxygen while you sleep. Primary care providers can do an in-office evaluation for these issues and get to the root cause, not just treat the symptoms.
What annual screenings should men be scheduling either with your office or with a specialist?
Prediabetes and diabetes are prevalent and should be screened for. There is a screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. And just recently, the colon cancer screening age has been lowered to now start at 45 years old.
Men can start living a healthier lifestyle today. What are some simple lifestyle adjustments you recommend?
This time of year, it’s great to be outside but making sure we are using measures against UV exposure. Sleep is the new performance enhancing drug so make sure you are getting your 8 hours in every night.
Dr. Jeremy Allen is a new primary care provider located in the Pelham area. Dr. Allen is affiliated with Brookwood Baptist Health.
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