What every man should know about their health!

Every Man Needs to Know!

Does your husband, father, or brother take active steps to protect their health? If you are like most of the men that come to our office, they are doing very little to protect themselves against common preventable illnesses. Some might say that us men are stubborn, and I would agree (I make the worst patient). But I am here to educate you and your significant others about ways that you can control your health.

1. Heart Disease

Men are notorious for having cardiac disease. It is the number one killer in the U.S. and is a major cause of disability. Common cause of heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, the arteries that supply the blood to the heart itself. Usually this goes unnoticed until a heart attack occurs. There are several preventable risk factors that you might have. Whether it is high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or lack of exercise...it is highly preventable. In our office we do lipid panels to assess triglycerides, lipids, cholesterol, and CRP to assess if there is increased risk for heart issues. We also then recommend some supplements that have supportive evidence to support the heart and blood function. We commonly recommend fish oil, bergamot, coenzymeQ10, CardioPlus, and other supplements to support the heart.

2. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. While it is rare under 40, that doesn't mean it should be avoided. Symptoms can include difficulty passing urine, low back pain, trouble starting/stopping, and pain with ejaculation. While cancer is not the only issue to happen in the prostate, it is common along with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Either condition can be tested for and supported in our office. We commonly recommend Saw Palmetto along with a good nutritional protocol to assist in any stage of BPH or cancer.

3. Colorectal Cancer

This is the fourth most common cancer in both men and women and is curable if caught early. This is also a common cancer that is avoidable with proper diet, exercise, and nutrition. Risk factors include: polyps, diet high in fat, family history, colitis or Crohn's disease. Symptoms usually present with blood in the stool, narrowing of stool, change in bowel habits, or stomach discomfort. Everyone over 50 or at increased risk should get regularly scheduled colonoscopies. While some people may have a predisposition for this, it can be prevented with some helpful diet tips. Reducing the amount of animal fat, increasing fiber, getting daily exercise, increasing omega3 fatty acids have all been shown to improve this. Most digestive aids on the market focus on moving the digestive system and do not change the function of the digestive system. Whether it is starting you on a quality probiotic or fiber supplement that increases bulk and mobility, we are sure to get your stomach feeling better.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes has become very common and has been documented in 11 percent of all men aged 20 years or older. Diabetes has become so common, that the importance of the diagnosis has been minimized. This disease has the potential for insulin resistance, kidney failure, blindness, and neuropathy. Preventable risk factors include weight, blood sugar (glucose), smoking, inactivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. We have worked with several patients to get their sugar down and get healthier. We commonly do blood sugar testing, urine testing, and Hemoglobin A1C testing to determine how your body is processing sugar. We use a combination of supplements to support blood sugar that include gymnema, cinnamon, Chromium, alpha lipoic acid, and others.

5. Stroke

Stroke takes about 60,000 men a year, and leaves thousands of others permanently paralyzed. Stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted by blood clot blocking artery or blood vessel. Because of the lack of blood and oxygen the brain cells begin to die and damage occurs. Speech, movement, and memory can be affected. Preventative measures include: lowering blood pressure, limiting tobacco use, controlling diabetes, increasing exercise, losing weight, decreasing alcohol intake, and improving general health. While a stroke is an emergency situation, the prevention comes years before the incident and we can help you get healthier.

So men are stubborn when it comes to their health and seeing a doctor, but it is vital that men get the preventative health that they need so they can live long lives. We see men with these issues daily and we enjoy seeing them years before an incident occurs or diagnosis is given.

Call today to inquire about our lab services and ways to improve men's health.

John Curry D.C. M.S.