Throughout history, men have traditionally been viewed as the protectors, such as the father who watches over his family or the policeman, fireman or soldier who provides support and defense in community or country.
Yet despite serving as protectors in society, men aren’t always the best when it comes to protecting their own health.
To encourage men to take a more active role in their well-being, Griffin Hospital is hosting a free men’s health talk and prostate cancer screening on Tuesday, June 18, and a men’s health event on Saturday, June 29 at the Sports Center of Connecticut in Shelton.
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Hosted by Dr. Brian Sperling, “What’s a Man to Do?” will discuss men’s health issues, especially prostate cancer, low testosterone and sexual health. This free talk will be from 6-8 p.m. on June 18 at Griffin Hospital Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division Street in Derby. All men who attend will receive a coupon for a free play at the Sport Center of Connecticut, and those over 50 will be offered a free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and. Register for “What’s a Man to Do?”
The Health Initiative for Men (HiM) at Griffin Hospital is sponsoring a free Men’s Health Event, set for 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29 at the Sports Center of Connecticut, 784 River Road in Shelton. The event will feature free men’s health screenings, education and information. Attendees can earn a “Play for Free Card” for each screening they complete, or a $25 Activity Card for completing five screenings (both cards redeemable at the Sports Center). In addition, every man who registers at the event will be eligible for a Sports Center “Family Fun Day” drawing ($200 value).
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A Simple Message – Go to the Doctor
Both of these events carry the simple message that men should see a doctor more often in order to ensure good health. According to a study by Louis Harris and Associates, women are three times more likely than men to have seen a doctor in the previous year, and one in three men had no regular doctor. Since June is Men’s Health Month, this is the perfect time for men to do themselves and their loved ones a favor by making an appointment for a check-up.
Annual exams are not only a good way for men to monitor their overall physical condition, but they also help inform men of what health screenings they should receive and encourage an open dialogue with their physician about any health changes that could be a sign of disease.
If you don’t have a regular doctor, Griffin Hospital’s MedSource physician referral service can help locate a physician in your area. Find a doctor online or call 203.732.7110.
Be in the Know
Heart disease and cancer are overwhelmingly the leading cause of death for men in the U.S.
The best defense against these diseases is regular health tests and preventative screenings so you can take steps to reverse the damage or get treated before lesser symptoms become a major problem.
To keep tabs on your heart health, men should get yearly blood pressure checks and blood sugar tests, and cholesterol tests every five years starting at age 18.
When it comes to monitoring cancer, men should get a digital rectal exam at age 40 and a PSA at age 50 to detect prostate cancer – the No. 2 cancer killer in men - at the early and most treatable stages. Combat colorectal cancer - the third leading cancer killer for men - with regular colonoscopies, recommended starting at age 50.
Get Your Tune Up Card
Griffin Hospital launched the "Health Initiative for Men" (HiM) in 2011 to help inspire men to have an annual physical and raise awareness about men's health issues, such as prostate and colorectal cancers. HiM was started as a response to data which indicated that men in the Lower Naugatuck Valley have significantly higher rates of mortality than men in Connecticut on average for both prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. Its goal is to influence men to see their physician and be screened for various diseases that respond better to treatment when detected early.
HiM has developed a Men’s Health Tune Up card that men can take to their annual check up to discuss with their physicians.
Get your Tune Up card at griffinhealth.org/HiM, and then go see a doctor!
