This month’s focus is on men’s health. Many men are at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and colon cancer. Take a minute during your next doctor’s visit or virtual home visit to talk with your doctor about the following topics.

• Heart health can be managed with healthy habits. Some risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, lack of physical activity and family history. Work with your doctor to create a personal heart health plan.
• Diabetes is a condition that causes the body to make less or no insulin. Signs include thirst, fatigue, weight loss, frequent urination and blurred vision. Unchecked, diabetes can cause nerve damage; problems with your vision, heart and kidneys; stroke; and blindness. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can order an A1C test to check your blood sugar levels and a urine test to check your kidney health. Also an eye exam is recommended every 1-2 years.
• Colon cancer:
  • A colonoscopy helps doctors find cancer earlier, when treatment may be easier and more effective. This screening is recommended every 10 years.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam of the lining of the colon, and it’s recommended every five years.
  • A fecal occult blood test is a simple, at-home test to collect stool samples. It’s recommended once a year.

• Try getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity, a few days a week. Walking, dancing and even gardening can help. Maintaining a healthy weight can help improve blood sugar levels. Talk with your doctor about an exercise program and about your body mass index.
• Smoking increases your risk of heart attack, stroke and cancer. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting.
• Enjoy meals that are well balanced and low in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol to help lower your risks.