At The Pointe at Kilpatrick we would like to see more men residing among us. June is International Men's Fitness Month.  Created by Senator Bob Dole in 1994, the goal was to encourage men to take the initiative of preventive health care.  More often than not, men wait until illness strikes before seeing a doctor.  It is still a too common feeling among men, especially the older generations, that they appear as "strong".  Admitting illness or a decline in physical abilities is seen as a weakness.   Women, on the other hand, are more willing to discuss illness and health care concerns with friends, family and their doctors.  From an early age, women are encouraged to perform self examinations and be aware of their bodies.  We've all seen the pink ribbons that represent breast cancer awareness. It has become the norm for women to take control of their health with self examinations and regular check ups. 
    Unfortunately, men tend to wait until something serious occurs before giving in and seeing a doctor.  My father is the perfect example of that mentality. He was the breadwinner and nothing kept him from going to work, even illness. One winter he became very sick. Despite my mother's pleas that he go to the doctor, he insisted he was fine.  It was discovered, after the fact, that he had had pneumonia. His long time doctor was mortified to find out he never sought treatment.  For most this would be a wake up call, but not the case with my father.  Years later, my mother became concerned that he had diabetes. She urged him over and over to get checked out, but he refused. She recognized the signs, especially the fact that he was drinking large amounts of water, but was always thirsty. One morning he woke up and couldn't see, another sign of untreated diabetes. Not until then, did he ask to be taken to the doctor. 
    There are many national organizations that are promoting men's health awareness and fitness programs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide some simple, but important steps for men to take. Some of these include:

• Pay attention to signs/symptoms (shortness of breath, rash, discharges..)
• Get vaccinated (old vaccines can fade, newer ones available...)
• Eat what counts (fruits, vegetables, lean meats...)
• Be physically active (2 1/2 hours a week at least)
• Get enough sleep (insufficient sleep is linked to many chronic diseases)
• Be smoke free (avoid smoking AND secondhand smoke)
• Get your check-ups (don't skip or postpone annual physicals)

Experts stress the importance of annual check-ups as key to preventative health care.  The Community Health Center provides current and helpful information for everyone. In conjunction with Men's Health/Fitness Month they listed some simple tests/screenings that can de done by a primary physician during a physical:

• Blood pressure
• Tuberculosis skin testing
• Blood tests for cholesterol and diabetes
• Urine analysis
• EKG
• Rectal exams
• Testing stool for blood
• Bone health assessments
• Sexually-transmitted disease screening

  As our bodies age, these concerns become magnified.  Multiple health issues can make treatments difficult or even impossible. Something like excessive weight gain can lead to heart problems, diabetes, arthritis,...By taking the steps now to prevent such issues, men can be in a better position to ward off the general symptoms of old age when the time comes.  How are you staying healthy? Any ideas or techniques you have used to keep yourself on the right wellness path?