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Author: Denise Roskamp

A caregiver at Home Helpers is married to a man who never hesitates to see his primary care
provider or medical specialists or get health screenings whenever necessary. This is unusual
because most men refrain from seeing doctors and undergoing health screenings, much more
so than women.

“It’s common for men to avoid going to the doctor until there’s a serious health concern,“ says
primary care physician James Heckman, M.D., Assistant Medical Director of Healthcare
Associates at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). “Staying healthy may just be a
matter of changing habits.”

Considering the life expectancy of senior men at age 65 is 17.5 years, nearly 3 years earlier than
senior women of the same age, I think it’s important to review 5 easy tips to improve men’s
health during Men’s Health Month.

1. Schedule regular visits with your doctor. It is common for health challenges to develop
with age. Family history plays a large part in what a doctor will focus on, but some key
issues and screenings are age-related. “Seeing your doctor regularly means that you have a
baseline for important screenings,” says Dr. Heckman. “This includes everything from
cholesterol to cancer screenings and osteoporosis.”

2. Eat a healthy diet. This is not new information. A diet low in fat and high in fruits and
vegetables can help lower the risk of some cancers, such as prostate cancer. “For good
prostate health, eat your fruits and veggies,” says Aria Olumi, M.D., Chief of Urologic
Surgery at BIDMC.

3. Quit smoking. Smoking can be related to bladder cancer, among others. We know that
smoking is harmful to your heart and lungs, but it is also linked to nearly half of all bladder
cancer cases. “Bladder cancer risk factors like age, gender, race, and family history can’t be
controlled,” Dr. Olumi says. “But quitting smoking can definitely lower your risk.”

4. Get enough sleep. A good night’s sleep can do wonders. Overstimulation of the brain,
stress, and a lack of sleep can cause overall fatigue and libido issues. “Lower testosterone
levels may contribute to these issues, but more often than not, it’s because the patient isn’t
getting enough sleep.” Dr. Olumi says. “At least seven hours of sleep a night will help your
mind and body reset.”

5. Take care of your mental health. Physical and mental health are connected. Mental illness
affects men and women, but men are less likely to talk about their feelings and seek
professional help. “Mental health symptoms often appear to be physical issues – like a
racing heart, tightening chest, ongoing headaches, or digestive issues,” Dr. Heckman says.

“Talking to a professional or a loved one about stress or other challenges can be very
helpful.”

My team of compassionate, highly-skilled caregivers at Home Helpers MetroWest provides in-
home care services for senior men so they can stay safe, comfortable, and independent in their
homes for as long as possible. Our licensed, bonded, and insured caregivers also offer seniors
transportation assistance to routine health screenings and doctor appointments, as needed.
I encourage you to take advantage of my no-obligation, FREE Consultation so I can assess
specific ways our highly trained caregivers can provide home care services to make life easier
for you or a senior man you love.

Home Helpers® MetroWest proudly serves male and female seniors in Concord, Framingham,
Lincoln, Marlborough, Natick, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, and
surrounding areas. We are Making Life Easier℠ in our Massachusetts communities every day!
508-545-0164

Source:
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center