AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE—MEN’S HEALTH MONTH

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When it comes to prevention and early detection, men’s health often takes a back seat to women’s health. Most men even find themselves skipping out on annual checkups with their doctor. The problem? Some serious health problems may not cause symptoms at first and getting annual checkups and the necessary screenings are the best way to detect health issues early.

According to the CDC, the top five health risks for men are:

  1. Heart disease
  2. Cancer
  3. Unintentional injuries
  4. Chronic lower respiratory disease
  5. Stroke

By making healthy lifestyle changes, men can help reduce their health risks and improve their overall health. Take a proactive approach by following these basic health tips.

  • Work with your doctor to identify potential health concerns that are unique to men such as prostate and testicular cancers
  • Get an annual comprehensive exam, which is an opportunity to screen for health issues including certain cancers and heart disease
  • Make healthy lifestyle choices such as avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercise regimen

Start by calling your doctor to make an appointment.

PREVENTING TICK BITES AND THE DISEASES THAT COME WITH THEM

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Warm weather means lots of outdoor activities, and with that comes the risk of tick exposure. Ticks are tiny, have eight legs and are typically reddish-brown in color. Ticks can’t jump or fly, they climb tall grasses, leaf litter or bushes and wait for a host to walk by and brush up against them and look for a place to attach. Be especially cautious when in this type of environment. Ticks carry a lot of different diseases, some of them serious. Reducing exposure to ticks is the best defense against Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tickborne infections.

If you spend time outdoors or have pets that go outdoors, you need to beware of ticks. You and your family can take several steps to prevent and control tickborne infections:

  • The CDC recommends using insect repellent rated for the amount of time you are going to be outside. Use DEET or for a plant-based option, oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Wear long sleeves, pants, and tuck your pant legs into your socks.
  • Shower soon after being outdoors.
  • Check for ticks daily—especially under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and on the hairline and scalp.
  • Landscaping techniques may help keep ticks out of your yard.

If you find a tick attached to your skin, follow these steps from the CDC on how to remove it safely: http://bit.ly/2LQVaXc

If you think you’ve been bitten and show any signs and symptoms of a tickborne illness, please contact your doctor immediately.