EvergreenHealth Experts Share Facts & Reveal Myths About Men's Health

Fiction: Men are more likely than women to seek behavioral health care.

"While treatments are available and effective, there are stigmas and social pressure that discourage vulnerability and become barriers to accessing care. It's also important to note the barriers more specifically for men of color in accessing mental health care, considering lack of comprehensive medical care in communities of color and lack of culturally responsive or identity-affirming care. I think about when author bell hooks said, 'To indoctrinate boys into the rules of patriarchy, we force them to feel pain and to deny their feelings.'" – Joy Hammond, LICSW | EvergreenHealth Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, Canyon Park

Fact: Physical health and lifestyle do play a role in how at-risk you are for developing prostate cancer.

"Most of the guidelines tend to agree that men should start getting screened for prostate cancer in their middle ages, with guidelines commonly overlapping roughly in the mid-fifties and continuing all the way through about age 70. For some men who are expected to live significantly longer, you may consider continuing your screenings even longer." – Jessica Dai, MD | EvergreenHealth Urology Care

Fiction: Heart disease primarily targets men.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.

"Heart disease impacts both men and women equally. About half of men who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. That's why regular check-ups and getting your blood pressure checked is so important to screening for heart disease. Along with a healthy lifestyle, you may also discuss checking your cholesterol and triglyceride levels with your primary care provider to learn more about your heart health." – Oscar Gonzalez, MD, FACC | EvergreenHealth Heart Care

Fact: Men are twice as likely to develop Parkinson's Disease than women.

"There are a number of innovative ways we can screen for Parkinson's Disease, which is why annual check-ups are so important to not only learn whether you're at risk for developing the condition but also to initiate the screening process. While there's no cure for Parkinson's Disease, an early diagnosis can help greatly improve your quality of life and help you maintain important aspects of your lifestyle." – Pinky Agarwal, MD, FAAN | EvergreenHealth Neurology, Parkinson's and Movement Disorders

Fiction: A man's metabolism "slows down" because of age.

Your metabolism is a system of every physical and chemical process in your body that creates or uses energy, and that system is maintained through eating a balanced, nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and focusing on your overall wellness physically and mentally.

"While it is true your metabolism does slow down as you get older, most weight gain in adults happens because responsibilities take precedence over wellness and exercise. Additionally, genetics and other health factors and conditions like sleep apnea or insulin resistance can have an impact, which is why annual check-ups are essential." – Sonia Hans, MD, F.A.C.E | EvergreenHealth Weight Loss & Bariatrics

Fact: Men's infertility is usually treatable.

There are several surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.

"Male fertility can be complex with many things that can affect your fertility. You can increase your fertility potential by looking after your overall health including exercise, healthy eating, and decreasing stress. In addition, you and your urologist will come up with a personalized plan that works best for you." – Kevin Ostrowski, MD | EvergreenHealth Urology Care