Community Health: Men's Health

June is Men's Health Month, making it a perfect time to highlight the importance of men's health. In a conversation hosted by Janet Michael on The Valley Today, Dr. Isaac Prince—a primary care physician at Valley Health Primary Care—joined to discuss critical health topics that men should be aware of. With his insight, Dr. Prince underscored the importance of regular check-ups and the often-overlooked aspects of mental health for men.

"Health's always a culmination of things," said Dr. Prince. "One of the more overlooked aspects of men's health is mental health. Men tend to bottle up emotions due to societal stigmas, which can lead to severe health issues like obesity, metabolic syndrome, and elevated blood pressure and cholesterol."

He emphasized that while everyone knows the basics of eating healthy and exercising, the underlying reasons for not following these principles often go unaddressed. "Why is somebody not taking care of themselves? Why is somebody not exercising or eating healthy? Often, these habits are symptomatic of deeper mental health issues."

Prince pointed out the value of having a primary care physician, noting that women are generally more proactive about their health. "That's why women live longer than men. They tend to go to the doctor more regularly," he stated. He stressed the importance for men to build a trusting relationship with their healthcare providers. "You might only see a doctor every ten years, but regular check-ups can catch issues before they become emergencies."

The conversation addressed common health issues men face, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. "These are often silent conditions that can be deadly if undiagnosed," Prince warned. He noted that issues like high blood pressure are often called the 'silent killer' because they can go unnoticed until it's too late.

"Regular exercise and dietary adjustments can prevent these issues," Dr. Prince continued. Moderate exercise—like walking, hiking, or swimming for about two hours a week—can make a significant difference. "Exercise doesn't mean you need to run marathons. Even moderate intensity is beneficial," he said. Dietary changes, such as reducing salt and red meat intake, can also help manage these health concerns.

Dr. Prince also highlighted the importance of mental health in preventing physical ailments. "Undiagnosed mental health issues can lead to serious physical health problems like high cholesterol and blood pressure," he said. He recommended that men should consider annual physicals as a preventive measure.

Janet noted the importance of families working together on health issues. "Often, if the husband has high cholesterol and the wife is feeling depressed, they can both benefit from a joint exercise routine," Dr. Prince explained. This collaborative approach can make lifestyle changes more sustainable and effective.

Dr. Prince encouraged families to utilize all available resources, including wellness plans provided by employers. "Utilize all resources that you have," he advised. These programs often include regular physicals and lab work, which can help catch potential issues early.

As the conversation wrapped up, Dr. Prince offered straightforward advice: "Get outside, get exercise, and get fresh air. Stay motivated, eat your fruits and vegetables, and schedule that annual physical." His final message was a reminder to prioritize health, not just for oneself but for the entire family.

Valley Health Primary Care is currently accepting new patients, and there are openings at various locations. "The sooner you get the appointment set up, the better," Prince said. For men and their families, taking proactive steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.

Learn more about all the services offered by Valley Health on their website: https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/