We know from research that men are less likely to visit the doctor than women.
That’s not because they are magically healthier and don’t need to get checked out. It’s just that they put off their health concerns—often until it’s too late.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, men are more likely to skip routine health exams—while also failing to visit a doctor of any kind during the previous year. It’s no wonder that women outlive men by an average of five years in the U.S. and seven years worldwide.
We know part of the reason you avoided your check-ups is because you’re incredibly busy. What executive has time for a waiting room? That’s why at Elitra Health Center in Manhattan, you’ll undergo all your testing in one day and leave with your results and our recommendations that same day. We’ll take it from there and schedule any follow-up specialist appointments for you.
If time is money and health is wealth, consider an Elitra Physical Exam the greatest investment you can make for your future, and don’t let your stubbornness keep you out of the waiting room.
June is Men’s Health month, making it the perfect time to put an end to that high-risk behavior. Read up on the six common men’s health issues that should be on your radar and schedule your next appointment to let our experts keep you in fighting shape.
Heart Disease
Heart disease and stroke are the first and second leading causes of death worldwide in both men and women, but men are fifty percent more likely than women to die from it. Heart disease kills one in every four men, according to the CDC, and risk factors include high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking. Diabetes, obesity, poor diet and exercise habits, and excessive alcohol use can also contribute to heart problems.
Because men drag their feet on going for testing, they often suffer from unregulated, high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol, which can damage your heart and blood vessels. About half of people with untreated hypertension die of ischemic heart disease and another third die of stroke, so you cannot afford to remain in the dark here.
Under the care of our world class clinical team, you’ll undergo the Elitra Exam—a personalized Executive Physical Exam—which includes a complete cardio-pulmonary evaluation, onsite cardiac imaging, and advanced bloodwork to develop a personalized medical report by the end of your visit. We’ll recommend any necessary medications or lifestyle changes to keep your numbers under control and educate you on the signs of a heart attack (more on those, here).
Type 2 Diabetes
Nearly 26 million adults in the United States have Type 2 diabetes, which affects more than one in ten men. If you think you don’t have to worry about diabetes but have been putting off your doctor visits, you might be in for a surprise. Nearly a quarter of people with diabetes—so, 7.2 million—don’t realize they have it, and about a third of U.S. adults (84.1 million) have prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Short-term diabetes complications include low blood sugar—sometimes to the point where you can become unresponsive or unconscious. Long-term complications include microvascular complications, which are eye, kidney, and nerve diseases, and macrovascular complications that cause plaque to build up in your large blood vessels, potentially leading to a heart attack, stroke or vessel blockage.
You can prevent these complications through watching what you eat, exercising, and medication. Our expert nutritionists at Elitra Health Center will draw up custom meal and snack solutions for you, teaching you what to avoid and what to enjoy in moderation to maintain healthy levels. Our exercise physiologists will lead you through a fitness assessment and devise a workout plan that you actually enjoy (and that actually fits into your busy schedule).
Because many conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, are heavily impacted by genetics and family history, our team at Elitra will also take you through an advanced genome testing to help understand future risks for you and your children.
Prostate & ED Problems
Erectile dysfunction problems can affect your mental health and relationships, but they are also a sign of larger risks at work. Men with ED are 1.6 times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke, which is why it’s important to talk to your doctor about any issues you are experiencing.
One out of six men will also develop prostate cancer, but it is usually non-fatal. Prostate cancer is difficult to detect in the early stages, and you can begin screening for prostate cancer through a blood test at age 50.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and men are twice as likely to develop the two most common types of skin cancer: basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.
You’ll undergo a thorough skin cancer screening as part of your Elitra Exam, and our doctors can educate you on how to monitor your skin at home. If needed, we’ll arrange any biopsies, removals, and follow-ups for you. We’ll just need you to remember to put on sunscreen in the morning.
Depression
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and a high-risk factor for suicide, making it incredibly important for men to talk about their mental health with their doctors.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention lists suicide as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and men died by suicide 3.54 times more often than women. Suicide rates are highest in middle-age white men, with white men accounting for 69.67 percent of suicide deaths in 2017.
Our team at Elitra can recommend specialists for cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant treatments in addition to analyzing how your food and exercise habits affect your serotonin levels. One in four people worldwide will be affected by a mental or neurological disorder at some point in their lives. You’re not alone, and we can help you recognize the symptoms and work toward a better tomorrow.