We all know you DON’T like to come to the doctor. Who does? Our goal is to create doctors offices that have a comfortable atmosphere with sports and TV’s, fast and on time appointments, friendly staff and offer the treatment options you need and want. We think that if we can make the doctor a pleasant experience you will be more inclined to book an appointment when you need one rather than letting your health conditions get worse and potentially be the cause of more serious health problem in the future.
According to the Men’s Health Network, a lack of awareness, weak health education, and unhealthy work and personal lifestyles have caused a steady deterioration of the well-being of American men. A visit to our clinic to learn how you can reduce your risk of common conditions facing men, such as cancer, depression, heart disease, and respiratory diseases just might save your life.
There are some common health conditions that affect more men we’d like to admit. Our providers are here to do the necessary tests, and provide the care you need to help avoid these common problems. Below are some of the most common health problems specifically for men.
Heart health
Heart disease comes in many forms. All of its forms can lead to serious, fatal complications if undetected. The American Heart Association states that more than one in three adult men have some form of cardiovascular disease. African-American men account for 100,000 more cardiovascular disease deaths than Caucasian men.
Stroke targets more than 3 million men. High blood pressure is common in males under the age of 45, according to the American Heart Association. Routine checkups can help keep that heart beating.
Your doctor can calculate your risk for cardiovascular disease based on several risk factors, including your cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking habits. We do this through our yearly routine physical. The great thing is that most insurance companies offer a fully covered routine physical yearly as an investment in you health. Insurance companies know that early detection of health issues are much easier to treat then the more serious conditions.
So what are you waiting for, make your yearly physical now by calling 817-632-5400.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory diseases
Many respiratory diseases start with an innocent “smoker’s cough.” Over time, that cough can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as lung cancer, emphysema, or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All of these conditions interfere with your ability to breathe.
According to the American Lung Association, each year more men are diagnosed with and develop lung cancer than in years past. African-American men have a higher risk of dying from the disease compared to other racial or ethnic groups. While exposure to occupational hazards like asbestos increases your risk, smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer.
If you have smoked for more than 30 years, a low-dose CT scan maybe prudent to screen for lung cancer.
Depression and suicide
Researchers at The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimate that at least 6 million men suffer from depressive disorders, including suicidal thoughts, annually.
Some ways to combat depression include:
getting regular exercise, even just going for routine walks around your neighborhood
journaling or writing down your thoughts
communicating openly with friends and family
seeking professional help
Medications are available to support depression and anxiety and we are here to help. For appointments call 817-632-5400.
Liver disease
Your liver is the size of a football. It helps you digest food and absorb nutrients. It also rids your body of toxic substances. Liver disease includes conditions such as:
cirrhosis
viral hepatitis
autoimmune or genetic liver diseases
bile duct cancer
liver cancer
alcoholic liver disease
According to the American Cancer Society, alcohol and tobacco use increases your chance of developing liver disease.
Diabetes
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to nerve and kidney damage, heart disease and stroke, and even vision problems or blindness. Men with diabetes face a risk of lower testosterone levels and sexual impotence. This can lead to increased depression or anxiety.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) celebrates today’s “modern man” as someone who is more aware of his blood sugar health. The ADA recommends that men “get out, get active, and get informed.” The best way to control your diabetes is to eat healthy and exercise. If you have a family history of diabetes, it is important to see your doctor to have periodic screenings for diabetes.
Skin cancer
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, two-thirds of melanoma deaths in 2013 were men. This is more than twice the rate of women. Sixty percent of all melanoma deaths were white men over the age of 50. We can refer you to a dermatologist if you have any concerns about spots on your skin. Gain the peace of mind