Questions & Answers

1. It is well understood that men do not visit doctors when they should, and it’s often their families that suffer for it. What recommendations can you make to wives to urge their men to make timely medical visits?

Women can point to their concerns to have men who are important to them to live a healthy, active, productive and enjoyable life. If they have children or grandchildren point out that they will want to be around to see them grow up. If all else fails make the appointments for him; treat him to a visit to the doctor for his birthday or an important anniversary. In September many clinics and doctors’ offices participate in the Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day campaign. Check out the Office of Minority Health’s Closing the Gap website (www.omhrc.gov/healthgap) for more information.

2. Given the startling statistics on men’s health, do you think it’s time to end the myth of the Macho Man?

Maybe it’s time to change the definition of what it means to be a Macho Man. Many men are very health conscious and limit their intake of fat and salt, drink in moderation and exercise regularly. They also make sure they get regular checkups. They look good, are proud of their bodies, and lead very active lives even as they pass middle age. Being Macho means being confident about whom you are and not being threatened by what others think about you. So being a Macho Man can be good for one’s health when the behavior is focused on making one’s self as healthy and strong as possible.

3. Initial screenings are a good first step. How important are annual checkups?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of experts in primary care and prevention, does not recommend an annual physical or checkup because there is no evidence that they reduce illness or death. However, regular screenings for high blood pressure, HIV, colon cancer, and other preventable or treatable diseases is important. It’s not good enough to have just one initial screening. Therefore, it is important to talk to your provider about how often you should get screenings depending on your age and risk factors for heart disease, stroke, cancer and other illnesses.

4. What changes to lifestyle can you recommend for men with prostate cancer? Is there a particular diet or exercise regime men should follow?

Overall men with prostate cancer should eat as healthy a diet as is possible. Concentrate on foods with high nutritional value such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Some may require special attention to their diet if they receive hormone treatments which can cause loss of bone mass (known as osteoporosis) so it is important for them to eat foods with high calcium content or take calcium supplements and take Vitamin D. Men should try to lead as active a life as possible, so exercise is important and also helps to keep bones strong, decrease stress, and improve sleep.