Carla Hay-Perdue, DNP, APRN, FNP, ANP-BC, NC-BC

Community Education Coordinator/ Family Nurse Practitioner at Palo Pinto General Hospital

June 14, 2022

June is Men’s Health Month. The goal is to encourage boys and men to change their overall health by implementing healthy decisions. It is the perfect time to remind men that prevention, early detection, and treatment are essential to prevent or manage chronic health problems.

Leading chronic conditions:  

1. Heart Disease. It remains the number 1 killer of both men and women. One out of every four men dies each year from heart disease. One hundred and sixty-three men died from heart disease in Palo Pinto County between 2017-2019 (CDC stats). This number puts us above the state and national average.
2. Cancer. Cancer is the number 2 killer of men. Prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer are the top three cancers diagnosed in men in the US each year. Testicular cancer is not common, but the incidence is increasing. Testicular cancer is primarily a disease in young and middle-aged men. Still, about 6% of the cases occur in children and teens, and about 8% of the cases occur in men over 55.
3. Diabetes. Diabetes is on the rise, with an estimated 13.2% of the US population having diabetes.
4. Hypertension. One out of 2 adults in the US has hypertension. Hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications are essential to prevent or even improve chronic conditions. Some of these include:

1. Nutrition – Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Each color contains a phytonutrient that the body needs. Three and ¼ ounces of whole grains a day decreases the risk of colorectal cancers, obesity, and diabetes. Nuts and seeds can help lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Legumes decrease our risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Fish is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Avoid processed foods, including processed meats. The World Health Organization has identified processed meats as a carcinogen.

2. Stop Smoking!! It is a contributor to most chronic diseases.
3. Limit alcohol to 1 or 2 drinks per day if you drink.
4. Exercise – 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise 5 days a week will help decrease your heart disease and diabetes risk. Research shows that exercise can reduce the risk of cancer and help counteract the adverse effects of cancer and cancer treatment.
5. Maintain good social support from friends and family.

Get Screened. Early detection is vital! 

June is the perfect time to remind you, men, that prevention, early detection, and treatment are essential when it comes to chronic health problems. Partner with your primary care provider. Discuss lifestyle modifications and screenings that may be needed. Your primary care provider is your ally in preventing and managing chronic diseases.

See below for our providers that provide men’s checkups: