Parkland offers preventive health tips during National Men's Health Week
DALLAS – Recent studies have shown that women are far more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men. As a part of National Men’s Health Week, which starts June 10 and ends on Father’s Day, June 16, the staff of Parkland Health & Hospital System encourages boys and men to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
“Men should regularly participate in primary health care and have a regular examination throughout every decade of their lives,” said Noel Santini, MD, Medical Director of Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care health centers. “Each decade brings on new health opportunities, and by participating in regular check-ups, men are able to act on their health care concerns rather than react.”
The most common health conditions experienced by men include heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, low testosterone and cancer. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, killing 307,225 men in 2009 alone. The Prostate Health Guide reports that each year more than 230,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 30,000 will die from the disease.
In observance of National Men’s Health Week – and to emphasize the importance of men proactively taking control of their health – Parkland physicians provided the following health tips for males of all ages:
• Get to know your numbers and have them checked regularly by your medical provider based on your risk factors and clinical practice recommendations. This includes blood pressure, A1C, body mass index, triglycerides and cholesterol.
• Consume minimal amounts of salt, sugar and fat.
• Exercise regularly and control your weight.
• Have the recommended screening tests or exams for testicular, colon, prostate, skin cancers, etc.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation.
• Do not smoke.
For the past 10 years Parkland has sponsored an annual Men’s Health Conference for Dallas County male residents at no cost to participants in an effort to heighten awareness of preventable health problems.
“The Men’s Health Conference affords males an opportunity to receive multiple screenings, get to know their numbers and discuss the significance of the results with a licensed medical provider,” said Ron Session, Senior Community Development Specialist at Parkland’s Garland Health Center and coordinator of the Men’s Health Conference.
The 2013 Men’s Health Conference will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, at the City of Dallas Central Public Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75201. For more information on Men’s Health Week, please visit http://www.menshealthmonth.org/week/index.html or contact Ron Session at 214.266.0651.