Men’s Health Checklist
By Steven Krager, med student, Creighton University
In a recent Student Health 101 survey, 60% of 226 male students polled said they were reluctant to visit a doctor, even when they knew they should get a checkup, felt sick, or had a minor accident. According to a 2001 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women are 33% more likely to visit a doctor than men.
“Most men would rather tough it out than go to the doctor,” says Gwen Evans, college nurse/program manager at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. “Men are often afraid to go. They don’t want to find out anything is wrong. There may be a macho element, but the biggest reason they don’t go is fear.”
Researchers have found that many men have been socialized to hold a traditional view of masculinity, which often leads to hiding vulnerabilities. Visiting the doctor for checkups, however, has long-term benefits—decreasing rates for suicide, sexually transmitted infections, cancer deaths, and hospitalizations.
Evans has a son who was reluctant to visit a clinician even though he was not feeling or looking well. Finally, a few of his male peers convinced him to go. The visit saved his life. His doctor found he had lymphoma and was able to treat it in time.
Where to Go?
Dr. Karin Priefert, the medical director at the Center for Health and Counseling at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, says that the college or university health clinic will generally provide for the health needs of most guys. “Whether a student needs a doctor outside the on-campus clinic would depend on whether specialty care was needed," she says. "For example, someone with a ligament injury of the knee would need to see an orthopedist.”
How Often Should Guys Visit a Healthcare Provider?
An annual physical is a good idea for everyone in order to establish baseline measurements for certain health indicators. “In general, a young man should visit the doctor to establish himself when he moves to a new location,” Dr. Priefert explains. “At that time, a family and personal health history would be reviewed. Basic preventive treatment could be done, which would include updating routine immunizations, screening for blood pressure, checking weight and cholesterol, and so forth. Further testing might be needed based upon risk because of either family history of certain diseases or personal illnesses, especially chronic ones.”
Jude Baldo, a 31-year-old student at Ohlone College in Fremont, California, tries to get a physical once a year. From one of these exams, Baldo found out that his bad cholesterol was too high and he altered his diet immediately. When he had a stye and when he was sick, he took advantage of his college health center to get treatment. “Most guys may not want to go to the doctor,” he says, “but I can’t be sick if I want to keep up with my studies.”
Evans adds that men should listen to their friends: “If you have a male friend who looks sick, tell them so. Men are more likely to visit a doctor if their peers tell them they should go."
What Are the Most Important Health Issues for College Males?
The Men’s Health Network, an advocate for men’s health issues, provides a great checklist of important men’s health concerns to help begin a dialogue with your healthcare provider. To access the checklist, CLICK HERE.
Here is a summary of top health considerations for men:
Mental Health
Men should know how to recognize the signs of depression and where to seek help. While women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to succeed. In this college-aged group, suicide is the third leading cause of death for men. To read about the symptoms associated with depression, CLICK HERE.
Blood Tests and Urinalysis
The Men’s Health Network recommends basic blood tests and urinalysis every three years for men ages 20 to 39. These tests can screen for high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, and other problems.
“It's also helpful to remember that many healthy young men do not need a great deal of lab testing,” says Dr. Priefert. Speak with your healthcare provider about what tests are appropriate for you.
Immunizations
Staying up to date on immunizations will help prevent certain infectious diseases. If you do not have your current vaccine records, you may need to call your former healthcare provider's office to get them. If you are concerned you may not be up to date, bring the records to your next visit with your clinician and ask him or her. To check out an adult immunization schedule, CLICK HERE.
Self-Examinations
“I don’t think many men check themselves for testicular cancer,” says Evans, who recommends a monthly self-examination of the testicles. For more on how to check yourself, CLICK HERE. The Men’s Health Network also recommends checking your skin, mouth, and breasts (yes, even for males). When looking at the skin, you should check for changing or growing moles or freckles. Abnormal lesions in the mouth can be an early sign of oral cancer, and they’re often associated with using smokeless tobacco products.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Some college-aged men may engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as not using a condom during sex or having multiple sexual partners in a short amount of time. Your need for for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) testing depends on your sexual practices and whether you are having symptoms. To find out more about STIs, CLICK HERE.
Evans says that men should check with their college health center if they have concerns about STIs or sexual protection.
Maintaining Health
The CDC recommends at least two and a half hours of physical activity a week. Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is also important for overall health. Many campuses have a nutritionist on staff who can help you make healthy food choices.
Finding the Right Doctor
“In order to know if the doctor is a good fit, a student would need to visit the office at least once or twice and ask questions of the staff and doctor,” says Dr. Priefert. Ultimately, a positive relationship with a healthcare provider will be one where you feel heard, understood, and supported.
If you have not been to a clinician recently or have worrisome symptoms, do not wait to schedule an appointment. Taking steps to control your health will give you peace of mind now and into the future.
STEVEN KRAGER IS A MED STUDENT AT CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA.
Find Out More
To learn more about male health issues, CLICK on the following sites:
- Men’s Health Network
- CDC: College Health and Safety