Men, it’s time to take control of your health.
More than half of men (57%) only visit the doctor when they feel sick or have an accident, eliminating the opportunity for preventive care that can help identify serious health conditions sooner.
This is one of many reasons why the life expectancy for men is nearly six years less than for women. The average man not only pays less attention to his health than the average woman, he’s also more likely not to see a doctor for regular checkups, to drink alcohol, use tobacco, and make risky choices.
In honor of Men’s Health Month, vybe is encouraging men to commit to protecting their health – starting now! All vybe urgent care centers provide annual physical exams, STD testing, and many other men’s health services with no appointment necessary.
Every June, Men’s Health Month focuses on raising awareness of preventable health issues and encouraging early detection and treatment among men of all ages. Because men often develop habits when they’re younger that can cause health problems later in life – including a reluctance to visit a doctor or discuss embarrassing topics – every bit of awareness helps.
vybe has joined this worthy effort to urge men to stop skipping annual physical exams, follow all recommended tests and screenings, and visit the doctor regularly. In fact, we think there’s nothing manlier than taking charge of your health.
Many serious health conditions affect men more than women, which is why the motivation behind Men’s Health Month is so urgent.
Five of the top health concerns for men include:
Factors like age, race, and sexual orientation can all affect men’s health in various ways.
Age
Generally speaking, men in their 20s and 30s have fewer health issues than older men – yet it’s still a good idea to build healthy habits and visit a doctor regularly for checkups.
As men age, they need to be even more vigilant about recommended tests and screenings. In their 40s, men tend to gain weight and develop conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
By their 50s, many types of cancer become more common, and the immune system doesn’t work as well as it used to. Metabolism slows, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. The risk of heart disease also increases with each passing year.
Race
Black men face a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and are nearly 2.5 times more likely to die of the disease, making early diagnosis even more critical.
Type 2 diabetes also disproportionately affects Black men, with diagnosis rates increasing by more than 160% over the past four decades.
Sexual orientation
Gay and bisexual men often experience higher rates of HIV and other STDs. The prevalence of depression is also three times higher than the general adult population, putting lives at risk.
The purpose of preventative care for men is to help avoid certain health problems and prevent minor health issues from becoming major health concerns. Regular visits to vybe for annual physical exams and other tests and screenings can help men stay healthy throughout their lives.
We recommend that all men have their heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol checked every year. Here are some other types of early preventive care for men:
● Ensure all vaccines are up to date
● Test for STDs if you have a new partner or unprotected sex
● Screen for testicular cancer
● Start screening for Type 2 diabetes at age 40 (age 35 if overweight)
● Start screening for colon cancer at age 45 (or earlier based on family history)
● Check testosterone levels
Preventive care you can do yourself
In addition to regular checkups, men can do a lot on their own to keep their health on track.
● Maintain a healthy weight
● Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains
● Exercise at least 30 minutes a day
● Perform testicular self-exams
● Check skin regularly
● Don’t smoke, vape, or chew tobacco
● Limit alcohol consumption
● Practice safe sex
All vybe urgent care centers have licensed medical professionals with a wide range of healthcare knowledge. We can diagnose and treat many non-emergency health concerns for men, including:
● Annual physical exams
● STD testing
● Vaccines
● Blood and urine tests
● And more
In case of emergencies, vybe has procedures in place to identify patients with a potentially serious condition and refer them directly to the ER.
A Cleveland Clinic study found that 61% of men would go for preventive care more often if they could during non-traditional working hours. Say no more: vybe is open seven days a week, with extended weekday evening hours for your convenience. We accept walk-ins and appointments for all urgent care services, including annual physical exams.
Every month is Men’s Health Month at vybe! To learn more, find a location near you today.
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