HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The month of June is Men's Health Month, and making sure not to neglect those routine checkups is important. One local doctor explains why men's health isn't just important this month. But, all year long.
Central North Alabama Health Services Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kathy Cornelius explained that men live five years less than women. "So I think that should really spark their attention."
But, the question is, why do men typically live five years less than women? "They attend the doctors less than women, about half as much visits women make, men make. Also having more hazardous occupations. You have more men as police officers in the military, firefighters. So that contributes to it. A lot of men compared to women are also under-insured when it comes to their health."
So at what age should men be making those routine doctor visits? "I would recommend over the age of 18 to at least come on an annual visit, come on an annual basis to see the doctor." Furthermore, as far as those routine screenings, like colonoscopies, they start around the age of 50. "The new guidelines say sometimes 40, 45 based on your health risks. So the best thing is if you're seeing your doctor on a routine basis, they can let you know how soon or how early you should be coming in for those."
Dr. Cornelius continued by sharing that physical health shouldn't be the only priority. But, mental health should also be at the top of the list. "I think women were known for the gift of gab and speaking and expressing ourselves and I think often men keep it on the inside. They have at least a 3.8 higher risk of suicide compared to women. And then when they do commit suicide, it's more fatal because they use more stringent means of accomplishing it."