Driving for men to drive home the point that men’s health matters
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt and Dr. Sijo Parekattil, Co-Directors of The PUR Clinic (Personalized Urology & Robotics Clinic at South Lake Hospital, in affiliation with Orlando Health) contributed this post to Talking About Men’s Health
10 days, 70 locations, 6,000 miles, and one goal: make men’s health a priority.
Over the last week, we’ve been cruising around the country in an all-electric Tesla Model S to drive home the point that men’s health matters. So far, our Drive For Men’s Health has taken us from Clermont, Florida which is just west of Orlando to Chicago. We’ve made 11 stops at major health institutions and universities to bring light to an issue that often goes ignored. During National Men’s Health Week, we’re encouraging men around the country to take notice and take action. We’re asking them, simply, to talk about their health.
It may be surprising to know that men are almost two times more likely than women to die from the most common causes of death, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This may be in part because women are often better at scheduling regular examinations and talk to their doctors about signs and symptoms more readily.
The truth is, most of these conditions can be prevented, and men, too, can avoid them by taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle. We often tell our patients at The PUR Clinic at South Lake Hospital, in affiliation with Orlando Health that the first step is being in tune with your own health – listening to your body, knowing your family’s health history and understanding risk factors specific to you. The next step is often the hardest part for men – scheduling regular appointments with a doctor and being open to discussing all aspects of your health, even the seemingly difficult or “embarrassing” ones.
For instance, a common misconception about men’s health is that the only thing that runs the car is the engine. However, keeping up with your health involves so much more than getting regular prostate or rectal exams. We often don’t realize it, but men are actually more prone to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and are even more likely than women to commit suicide. We can no longer ignore these factors when talking about men’s health, and must understand that this topic encompasses everything from getting enough sleep to exercising and eating a healthy diet.
The good news is, it’s never too late to start the conversation. It can be as simple as making a phone call to the doctor’s office – and trust us, the results will pay off. One appointment, screening or check up could make the difference. There’s no reason not to take charge of your health right now.
Great article and I applaud what you’re doing to raise awareness to get men to talk more about their health! You’re absolutely right in saying that far too many men are lost each year to preventable illnesses and conditions simply because they never go to their doctor or are willfully ignorant of the damage they do to their bodies. The time has come for that to change. As men we are always told to be strong, to be the leaders. Well now it’s our time to step up and prove it. Take control of your health and lead healthier lives!