Men’s Health Month is a national observance to raise awareness about men’s health status. Routine care, like regular checkups and screenings, can catch minor problems before they can do harm. Everyone benefits from routine care, but this month remind the men in your life to get into the habit of regular screenings and checkups so they can live longer healthier lives.
“Regular screenings for things like chronic disease and cancer can be lifesaving,” says Dr. Rincon, Family Practice Physician at Family Health La Clinica. “If you are healthy, it is still important to come in each year for a checkup. That way, we can address any problem areas early before they turn into larger issues that need more frequent care.”
Chronic diseases like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and heart disease are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. These develop when allowed to go unchecked over time, so most people do not even know when they are at risk. Screening for high blood sugar, for example, can find if you are at risk for diabetes or prediabetes. If caught early, your healthcare team can work with you to manage chronic illness. Awareness through regular screening and changes to diet and exercise routines, and even medication for some, can make living a healthy life possible.
Cancer screenings can find abnormal growths early before they turn into cancer. One of these is colon cancer, the third leading cause of death for U.S. adults. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 have regular screenings for colon cancer. The timeline for these screenings will depend on what screening test you choose. Talking with your doctor can help you decide which is best for you based on your preferences and medical conditions.
Family Health La Clinica is a community health center where all are welcome to receive care. They offer primary medical and dental services, mental health counseling, and substance abuse services to people of all ages and income levels. They accept private insurance, Medicaid (BadgerCare), Medicare, and uninsured. They also have a sliding fee scale for those who qualify. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-942-5330 or visit their website at www.famhealth.com. You can also find them on social media @fhlcchc on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
