Traditionally, men have often refrained from getting health related appointments unless it is absolutely necessary.
Many men are reluctant to visit their doctor for routine checkups, let alone testing for serious diseases.
Experts, however, strongly encourage men to educate themselves on their risk for various diseases.
“You have to take a little time to educate yourself and use the knowledge to your advantage,” said Dr. Azarias Longberger of the Indiana University School of Medicine. “Knowing what you may be at risk for and getting it treated quickly can ensure that you will be around longer to enjoy life and serve as the protector and provider of your family.”
Wellness advocates say the most direct avenues of health education are conversations with doctors and other men who are serious about their health.
An individual can look at important factors such as family history, diet, weight, amount of exercise, level of stress and habits such as excessive smoking and drinking to best determine their risk for a particular illness.
It is also important for men to get testing and screenings to prevent diseases or catch them while they are still in their early stage and will respond to treatment.
The need for testing is especially important for African-American men, who run a higher risk for diseases such as diabetes, kidney failure, prostate cancer and heart disease.
Father Boniface Hardin, an Indianapolis community leader and founder of Martin University, said early detection made the difference in winning his battle against prostate cancer six years ago.
“They were able to treat the cancer because it was found early,” Hardin said. “It is critical that men take time not just for testing, but also take time to talk to our doctors, listen to them, ask questions and actually do what they tell us to do.”
Longberger, who is also African-American, agrees.
“Testing and screening could literally mean the difference between life and death,” he said. “The earlier a disease is detected, the easier it can be treated.
In other words: Don’t wait, or it may be too late.
Here is a quick listing of tests that men should have each year:
