Each November men’s health issues are put under the spotlight on a global scale, with Movember initiatives encouraging men to stay one step ahead of illness.
“Men are often reluctant to visit their physicians until it’s too late,” said Robert Shaw M.D, principal member of the Boston Medical Group (BMG) medical team at Century City. “The Movember movement has received a lot of attention. It’s raised the visibility for many medical issues facing men including prostate cancer and, ultimately, got many men to visit their doctors.”
Free diagnostic screenings at Century City will help determine if a patient is at risk or suffering from a range of health conditions. The specialized tests usually cost $395, but the fee will be waived during November.
“Boston Medical Group is on the vanguard of men’s sexual health and we offer sophisticated diagnostic tests not available at most doctors’ offices to see if you’re at risk,” Shaw said. “Our treatment methods are so advanced that men who may have already been diagnosed but didn’t respond to treatment are finding hope.”
Many men tend to be trepidacious when approaching medical testing, explained consultant and founder of BMG, Daniel Ha M.D., often leaving it until it is too late.
“The diagnostic testing Boston Medical Group offers is painless and non-invasive,” Ha assured. “It begins with a physical exam, which includes taking a complete medical history. Next a nerve test is administered using a harmless vibrating instrument following by blood flow test using ultrasound equipment. If needed, a painless application is added at the end of the exam to increase blood flow and the blood flow test is repeated.”
Early detection of diseases affecting men can make a significant difference to treatment and disease progression, Shaw said, adding that knowing what is happening to your body can also reduce future complications.
“Maintaining your health requires different testing and protocol as a man grows older,” he said. “It is always important to identify risk factors for cardiovascular diseases including high cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, genetics, etc. Also regular screening for cancers, lung, prostate, colon, etc., and monitoring testosterone levels are an important part to keeping an eye on your health.”
While encouraging screening and health checks, Movember is also the perfect time for men to take a look at their lifestyle and how they can improve their health, according to Shaw. He said that each decade in a man’s life calls for new priorities.
Exercising regularly, sleeping well, and eating a well-balanced diet are all important for men in their 20s.
“Kick bad habits such as smoking, drug use, and binge drinking, all of which can develop into problems in your 20s and beyond,” Shaw said. “Check for testicular cancer, which occurs most frequently between 15-35. Look out for hard masses and get examined by a doctor regularly.”
For men in their 30s, Shaw advises to eliminate or cut back on diets high in sodium, red meat, dairy products and sugar-filled, fatty, fried and processed foods. Such a diet increases your risk of cardiovascular problems and can result in intimacy issues.
“Make sure your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and heart rate are checked regularly and get screened for skin, mouth, thyroid and lymph node cancer,” he said. “Include stretching and flexibility into your daily exercise regimen.”
For men in their 40s, continue to be vigilant about checking your blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels and make sure to consistently get a good night’s sleep. Keep exercising with an emphasis on developing muscle mass and strength, focusing more on repetitions than lifting heavy weights.
“When men hit their 40s, they often start to see a drop in testosterone and other hormones. If a deficiency is diagnosed, treatments are available to replenish the missing hormones,” according to Shaw.
Begin regular screenings for prostate and colon cancer in your 50s, for those with a family history of either, such tests should be conducted in your 40s or even earlier.
High blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and low testosterone often occur while men are in their 50s. Low testosterone can adversely impact physical and mental health and lead to obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, fat in the blood, and low HDL cholesterol are all contributors to heart disease.
“Intimacy issues become more prevalent/severe and should be addressed immediately as the problem can intensify and cause irreversible damage,” Shaw said.
The free screening at BMG runs for the month of November, with doctors encouraging all men to take advantage of the offer.
“Don’t think, just do it,” said Shaw. “Our methods are supported by almost 20 years of experience which have enabled men to lead lasting and healthy sexually active lives, resulting in significant improvement in their personal relationships for many years.”
Boston Medical Group Century City is located at 9911 West Pico Blvd., Suite 1215, Los Angeles. Call 855.250.3700 for an appointment.
