Our health is a gift that must be managed. When you’re in good health, it is easy to take it for granted. Life is busy, we eat on the go, not always making the best and most nutritional choices; we postpone doctor’s appointments; and don’t get as much exercise as we should. 
During Men’s Health Month, Dimitri Alvarez, MD, primary care physician at Highland Medical, Pearl River Medical Associates in Pearl River, NY, shares the importance of prioritizing your health as one of the most crucial and empowering decisions you can make. 

“As a primary care physician, I am accustomed to seeing more women for routine preventative care than men. An estimated 33% of women are more likely than men to visit a doctor, according to data from the CDC/National Center for Health Statistics. “Numbers don’t lie; on average, women outlive men by six years,” says Dr. Alvarez. These numbers also reveal that far too many men, ages 18 and older, still smoke, consume excessive alcohol, and don’t get enough exercise.

While we can’t change the genes we inherit, we have considerable control over risk factors and can choose to act today. Dr. Alvarez urges men to consider the following: 

• Find a primary care provider (PCP) you trust and schedule your annual check-up. Be ready to discuss preventive care with your PCP. Understand your family health history and be aware of any changes in your body; this will help you ask important questions during the visit.
• Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity helps decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Developing an exercise routine, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking are all factors we have the power to change. Do not wait until symptoms arise before visiting your provider. When appropriate, a specific blood test such as Lipoprotein(a) or a special scan of the heart (Coronary Artery Calcium test) can help assess the likelihood of future cardiovascular events. 
•  Age-appropriate regular cancer screenings are a vital part of staying healthy.
  • Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. When indicated, a simple blood test and an appropriate examination can lead to early disease detection. When caught early, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is remarkably high—more than 99%. This rate can drop to 31% once the cancer spreads beyond the gland. Nowadays, most cases are handled by a team of professionals to help patients and their families decide the best treatment options, ranging from active surveillance, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. 
  • Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in our nation. The survival rate can also be very high when diagnosed early, depending on the type of cancer cells. According to the CDC, cigarette smoking is linked to 80-90% of lung cancer deaths. Quitting smoking is one of the most significant steps you can take to reduce your risk of lung cancer. Talk to your doctor about available resources to help you quit. For the population at risk (e.g., current or former smokers), low-dose CT scans can be performed annually to identify suspicious lesions. Many institutions, including Montefiore Nyack Hospital, offer a non-invasive lung cancer screening program. 
  •  Colon   cancer can carry a heavy burden on patients and their families. Fortunately, the incidence of this cancer decreases when populations are screened appropriately. Individuals at average risk are now encouraged to start screening at the age of 45 using a simple stool-based test periodically or a colonoscopy. 
• Mental  health conversations may be difficult to have at times, but I urge my patients to be open about it as soon as they feel the need. To quote Dr. Brock Chisholm, the first Director/General of the World Health Organization, “Without mental health, there can be no true physical health.” Depression and anxiety are very common in our fast-paced world. It is understandable to sometimes turn to unhealthy habits when dealing with difficult emotions. Having a strong support system, getting adequate sleep, exercising, eating healthy, and seeking professional help are all excellent interventions to improve mental well-being. Medication prescribed by a healthcare professional can also be an effective part of managing mental health conditions. 

“Taking ownership of our health and wellness should be a priority. This is one of the greatest investments you will ever make,” says Dr. Alvarez.

To make an appointment with Dr. Alvarez, please call Pearl River Medical Associates at 845-920-1990.