Workforce Wellness – Bon Secours

June recognizes Men’s Health awareness.  Why is Bon Secours concerned about Men’s Health?  Men are less likely than women to seek medical care and are nearly half as likely as women to pursue preventive health visits.  Local research also shows that  men between the ages of 20-40 are the group least likely to access health care and are more likely to be uninsured than women.  We also know that men are more likely to smoke and drink.  Combine this lack of medical treatment with these behavioral choices, and we know that men are dying at higher rates than women for nine of the top ten causes of death.  That’s why Bon Secours offers a comprehensive set of services to help men of all ages access preventive care, treat practically any injury or illness and take an active role in maintaining a healthy life.

Stay on top of your health by following these guidelines for checkups and screenings:

Age 20-39:

• Physical Exam: Review overall health status, perform a thorough physical exam and discuss health related topics. Recommended every three years.
• Blood Tests & Urinalysis: Screens for various illnesses and diseases (such as cholesterol, diabetes, kidney or thyroid dysfunction) before symptoms occur. Recommended every three years.
• EKG: Electrocardiogram screens for heart abnormalities. Baseline test recommended at 30.

Age 40-49:

• Physical Exam: Review overall health status, perform a thorough physical exam and discuss health related topics. Recommended every two years.
• Blood Tests & Urinalysis: Screens for various illnesses and diseases (such as cholesterol, diabetes, kidney or thyroid dysfunction) before symptoms occur. Recommended every two years.
• EKG: Electrocardiogram screens for heart abnormalities. Recommended every four years.
• Chest X-ray: Should be considered in smokers over the age of 45. The usefulness of this test on a yearly basis is debatable due to poor cure rates of lung cancer.

Age 50+:

• Physical Exam: Review overall health status, perform a thorough physical exam and discuss health related topics. Recommended every year.
• Blood Tests & Urinalysis: Screens for various illnesses and diseases (such as cholesterol, diabetes, kidney or thyroid dysfunction) before symptoms occur. Recommended every year.
• EKG: Electrocardiogram screens for heart abnormalities. Recommended every three years.
• Hemoccult: Screens the stool for microscopic amounts of blood that can be the first sign of polyps or colon cancer. Recommended every year
• Colorectal Health: A flexible scope examines the rectum, sigmoid and descending colon for cancer at its earliest and treatable stages. It also detects polyps, that are benign growths that can progress to cancer if not found early. Recommended every 3-10 years
• Chest X-Ray: Should be considered in smokers over the age of 45. The usefulness of this test on a yearly basis is debatable due to poor cure rates of lung cancer.
• Bone Health: Bone mineral density test. Testing is best done under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
• Rectal Exam: Screens for hemorrhoids, lower rectal problems, colon and prostate cancer. Recommended every year

At Any Age:

• Blood Pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) has no symptoms, but can cause permanent damage to body organs. Yearly screenings recommended.
• Tetanus Booster; TDAP: Prevents lockjaw. Every 10 years.
• Self-Exams:
  • Testicle: To find lumps in their earliest stages.
  • Skin: To look for signs of changing moles, freckles or early skin cancer.
  • Oral: To looks for signs of cancerous lesions in the mouth.
  • Breast: To find abnormal lumps in their earliest stages.
• Testosterone Screening: Low testosterone symptoms include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue and depression. Initial screening for symptoms with a questionnaire followed by a simple blood test.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDS): Sexually active adults who consider themselves at risk for STDs should be screened for syphilis, chlamydia and other STDs.

Join Bon Secours for Men on your journey to a healthy life.  If you do not have a primary care physician, we can help you find one close to home or work.  This is the first step toward understanding your risks and catching diseases early.  Visit  www.goodhelpdocs.com or call 804-359-WELL [9355].

By Rishi Bala, MD, CAQSM, RMSK

Bon Secours Sports Medicine & Primary Care
Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center
2401 W. Leigh Street
Richmond, VA 23220
804-325-8801

Bon Secours Patterson Avenue Family Practice
9600 Patterson Avenue
Richmond, VA 23229
804-741-6200

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