Men Need to Keep In Touch With Their Health Through Regular Doctor’s Appointments

It can be all too easy to put off scheduling a doctor’s appointment or getting that regular checkup. Life gets busy and the to-do list stacks up; or maybe you say, “It’ll be fine, I don’t need it and I don’t want to bother anybody,” and carry on; or put your own needs aside to focus on loved ones or your job.
But smart maintenance and regular visits with health care professionals can make all the difference between a serious health issue and being able to spend time with the ones you love and do the things you enjoy.
June is Men’s Health Month, and while it’s a great time to talk about issues related to men’s health, it’s an even better opportunity to learn about and start practicing healthy habits that can continue year round.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to help get the ball rolling:
See a doctor
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are less likely than women to schedule a doctor’s visit or set up regular exams. But establishing a relationship with a primary care provider and getting annual checkups is one of the easiest, and most effective, steps you can take to stay healthy.
The annual exam allows the primary physician – sort of like the quarterback of a your health care – to get a baseline on your overall health and help manage any known health conditions, while also keeping an eye out for diseases and other serious health issues or conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Early detection is key in treating or managing many conditions, and talking with your primary care provider is the most effective way to start.
Additionally, men over the age of 50 should talk to their doctor about regular prostate exams and prostate specific antigen (PSA) lab tests. Many men with prostate cancer never experience symptoms and, without screening, would never know they had the disease until it’s too late. Screening helps to find prostate cancers that may be at high risk of spreading, so that they can be treated before they spread and become more serious.
Depending on your health care needs, other screenings may also be recommended.
Be honest and listen
Nobody gets points for being the strong, silent type when it comes to health. Being open and honest about what’s going on in your life gives doctors the best information to help you manage your health.
Then, listen to what your doctor says. They’re tuned in to both your health and the specifics of men’s health and can provide valuable advice for your lifestyle. If necessary, they’ll connect you with specialists. They’ll know things such as the fact that heart disease and cancer are two of the leading causes of death in American men. Some conditions, such as heart disease and lung cancer, are more common in men while others, including prostate disease, are unique to them and may require separate (and sometimes regular) checkups on their own.
Practice healthy habits
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to manage your health, and no list of health tips would be complete without these two bits of advice: eat a healthy diet and get enough exercise. Whatever you put into your body, and what you do with it, is what you’ll get out of it. Eating a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, with lean protein and whole grains and which avoids sugars and processed foods can help avoid many health risks and manage others.
On the same note, the benefits of even a few minutes of exercise every day are numerous. It helps control weight, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduces risk of type 2 diabetes, maintains healthy bones and muscles, helps improve mood and mental health and increases your changes of living a longer life, according to the CDC.
It’s safe to come in
At Billings Clinic, your safety is our priority. As we continue to address COVID-19, it’s important that you receive the medical care you need in a caring environment. Our clinics are open with enhanced safety measures.
· You will be screened for fever and respiratory symptoms at the entrances. Our employees are also screened when they come to work.
· You will be required to wear a mask during your time on campus. We have masks available at all entrances for your convenience.
· One health adult visitor per patient per day is allowed on.
· You will need to wait to come to your appointment right when it starts.
· Hand sanitizer is available in many locations to allow you to practice good hand hygiene.
· Please maintain 6 feet of distance from others when in waiting and common areas.
· Surfaces in common areas and clinic rooms are disinfected regularly.
· You may be asked to undergo COVID -19 testing prior to elective procedures.
With these added safety measures, our team members continue to provide friendly, compassionate and expert clinical care for you and your family. Virtual Care is also available for many appointments from the comfort and safety of your home.
Manage your health
Having much of your health information in one easy-to-access place can make managing much easier. Billings Clinic offers Patient Connect to all of its patients, allowing them to access their electronic medical record and pay bills online, any time.
Through PatientConnect, accessing your information is easy and secure, and lets you:
· View and print your lab results, allergy list, immunization records, medication list, health issues, surgeries and procedures.
· View and print your medical notes from your health care provider (for visits on/after 7/1/11).
· View and print your radiology and lab results (for services on/after 6/17/14).
· View your upcoming appointments.
· Communicate with your doctor’s office by sending a secure message.
· Request a prescription renewal through the secure message tool.
Billings Clinic offers a wide range of health care services for the entire family and can connect you with primary care physicians and specialists alike. For more information on men’s health at Billings Clinic or to make an appointment, please call 406-238-2500 or visit www.billingsclinic.com/mannual. For more information on MyBillingsClinic, go to www.billingsclinic.com/mybillingsclinic.