June is Men’s Health Month
Dr. Alain Kameni
Men often put work, family and other responsibilities ahead of their own well-being. This Men’s Health Month, Christus Health encourages men to stay current on screenings and preventive care to support healthier, longer lives.
Men are 33% less likely to visit the doctor compared to women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that if you feel fine, you're healthy," said Dr. Alain Kameni, family medicine physician with Christus Health. "Many of the most serious conditions affecting men include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and several forms of cancer. They can develop silently without obvious symptoms. Regular checkups help us identify concerns early, when they are often easier to manage and treat."
Kameni recommends for men to establish a relationship with a primary care provider and begin routine health screenings by age 45, or earlier if they have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, cancer or other chronic illnesses.
Risk factors such as smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes can significantly increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
He said men should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as:
• Chest pain, pressure or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the arms, neck, jaw or back
• Sudden dizziness, weakness or lightheadedness
Kameni said men should stay current on age-appropriate cancer screenings, including screenings for colorectal and prostate cancer.
"Preventive care isn't just about adding years to your life,” Kameni said. “It's about improving the quality of those years. A yearly visit gives you the opportunity to understand your health risks, make informed decisions and build a personal and reliable plan that supports your long-term health."
To learn more about men’s health or to find a primary care provider, visit ChristusHealth.org.