PROSTATE CANCER, LOW TESTOSTERONE, HYPERTENSION
Hi, I’m Dr. Jason Faucheux, a dedicated Family Medicine physician with AVALA Care. It’s June, which means the beginning of heat waves and 100-degree temperatures and the beginning of Men’s Health Month! I always say that the best health is preventative health. Men work hard, tend to their families, fix the problems around them, and look out for others. Now let’s focus on our health to continue in that work.
Therefore, what can we do to stay strong, healthy, and live productive lives?
Dr. Faucheux - AVALA Care
Checking in on Mental Health
As a family medicine physician and Air Force Veteran, mental health is one of my areas of passion because I have seen the impact personally and professionally on people’s lives.
Depression or anxiety can crush our motivation, drive, strength, and health and impact others around us, including our jobs and families. If you find yourself feeling down, depressed, hopeless, fatigued, or you’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy, then it may be time to schedule an appointment with a family medicine physician.
Keeping Physical Health in Mind
I can’t emphasize enough the value of having an annual wellness visit with your family medicine physician. During your visit, we focus on your health, taking the time to understand what is affecting your life and what matters most to you. We may order screening labs and, in some cases, imaging such as ultrasounds or CT scans in addition to a thorough physical examination. This comprehensive approach allows us to provide the best possible care for you.
Like how we learn about investments and how to put our money to work, your health is your most valuable asset!
If you are between 40 – 75 years old, it’s important to check your cholesterol via a lipid panel blood test. If this is elevated, there are things we can do to help prevent plaque buildup and decrease CV risk.
One-time screening with ultrasound in men aged 65 to 75 who have EVER smoked. When missed, this can lead to sudden unexpected death. So, please be sure to come into have this ordered if you fit the criteria.
If you are between 35 -70 years old and have an elevated weight, screening for diabetes with a simple blood test is important to do annually. Diabetes is a large contributor to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. If we are going to be there for our families tomorrow, let’s start with screening for this today! Diabetes can be easily treated and sometimes reversed.
Men 55 – 69 years old should discuss with their primary care physician about a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) based screening blood test for prostate cancer.
You may also have problems with Erectile Dysfunction, BPH (Enlarged Prostate), or Testosterone Deficiency.
OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea):
If are you fatigued/tired, get drowsy during the daytime, or feel like you do not get a restful sleep upon awakening, then you might need a sleep study. OSA if left untreated can increase the risk for congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension, Afib, diabetes, memory/attention, and dementia. If you have these symptoms, please come in to complete your evaluation.
Preventative Care Should Start Now!
Dr. Faucheux is a board-certified Family Medicine physician who would love to help you begin your preventative healthcare journey!
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