Dole News | [9]
Men's Health Men face a unique set of health challenges throughout their lives, many of which are preventable with early action and awareness. Statistically, men are less likely than women to seek medical attention regularly, which can lead to undiagnosed conditions and delayed treatment. Dr. William A. Jorgensen is the director of Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) in Dodge City, Parsons, Hutchinson, Hays, and Salina. He said preventive care is crucial in combating these issues, and he stressed that regular health screenings – such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol levels, blood sugar tests, and cancer screenings — can catch potential problems early. “Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men worldwide,” Dr. Jorgensen said. “Contributing factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and high stress levels. Prostate cancer is another significant concern, particularly for men over 50. Routine screenings can detect this cancer early, dramatically improving treatment outcomes.” Dr. Jorgensen added that Type 2 diabetes is also prevalent, especially among men who are overweight or lead sedentary lifestyles. Adopting a healthier lifestyle is equally important as regular testing. “This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins; engaging in regular physical activity; avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption; and managing stress through mindfulness or counseling.”
Focus on check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and your emotional well-being. Mental health, often overlooked in men, plays a critical role in overall well-being. One of the most underestimated threats to men’s health is loneliness and social isolation. Research has shown that chronic loneliness can be as harmful as smoking or obesity. Dr. Jorgensen said men (especially Veterans) often are conditioned to suppress emotions and avoid vulnerability, making them less likely to seek help or talk about their struggles. This can lead to increased rates of depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. “Combating loneliness involves building and maintaining social connections,” he said. “Encouraging men to engage in community activities, reach out to friends and family, or join support groups at their VA can foster a sense of belonging. Mental health should be given the same attention as physical health, and seeking help should be normalized and encouraged.” Improving men’s health outcomes requires a proactive approach that combines regular checkups, healthy lifestyle choices, and emotional well-being, Dr. Jorgensen said. Reducing stigma around mental health and promoting social connectedness are vital steps toward ensuring men lead longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. “I enjoy talking to the Veterans I see and working to help them to live longer, better, more healthy lives,” he said. “I think the VA does really well with prevention, but I think Veterans sometimes can be a little hesitant about that. They are the captains of their ship. If they tell us where they want to go, we can help them get there, but they need to be the ones who take the wheel.”
Dole News | [9]
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker