For many men, it may be time to call the doctor

The dads of the world got all of the attention this past Sunday with the celebration of Father’s Day. Although the party’s over for the paterfamilias, we will be spending the balance of June focusing on a related topic: Men’s Health Month.

One of the things about men’s health is that many men are reticent about their health. A 2016 national survey by the Cleveland Clinic found that over half of men (53 percent) said it “just isn’t something they talk about.” And even more men (60 percent) won’t visit the doctor unless they are worried that they have a serious medical condition.

That’s akin to calling the fire department after half the house is on fire.

The Cleveland Clinic poll found that only three in five men get an annual physical, and many of those that see a medical doctor for yearly check-ups do so only after repeated reminders by a spouse or significant other.

Yet, like those smoke detectors that give early warning signs before the house is engulfed, regular check-ups are the best way to detect diseases in the early stages, when treatment is often more viable and more likely to lead toward achieving a positive outcome.

For men approaching or past the age of 50, regular check-ups are important to screen for prostate cancer, a disease that affects one in six and is very treatable, in many cases, if detected early.

Heart diseases also ranks among the leading causes of death for adult men, according to the Mayo Clinic. Men can reduce their risk of heart disease by maintaining a healthful diet, exercising regularly – get that heart rate going! – while watching their weight. Refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also key.

Fruits and vegetables, especially those that are dark in color, are not only low in calories but also a source of fiber and antioxidants which helps balance blood pressure. This doesn’t mean to cut out all fatty foods – unsaturated fat has been found to be good for the heart. Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of unsaturated fat, are found in types of fish such as salmon and tuna. These fish or a fish oil supplement can reduce inflammation in the body to improve cardiovascular health.

While mental health conditions like stress and anxiety can greatly affect one’s brain signals, they can also impact a man’s sexual function, interfering with their relationships and overall well-being. Stress isn’t always avoidable but men can relax through meditation or yoga or also by just focusing on taking each day step by step. Pausing for a minute within your day to take a few deep breaths can do wonders.

Men dealing with erectile dysfunction may find a solution to their symptoms through hormone replacement therapy, specifically testosterone supplementation, which can be tailored and balanced with the help of a compounded prescription and guidance from a physician.

Before the month of June is out, I encourage my fellow men to take a few moments to assess their current health condition, to talk about it with a friend or significant other and to seek out medical advice by scheduling an annual physical.

John Walczyk is a registered compounding pharmacist at Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email john@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.