Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 33)

The Perfect Storm I photography by Corbis images DO: Love a Leading Lady It’s long been rumored that Clooney has admitted he’ll never marry again. After his four-year marriage ended in 1993, the eternal bachelor has been in several relationships, but no wedding bells have rung. Could this have an effect on his health? “Men often don’t think how important a relationship is to maintaining health,” Stream says. “There’s something about being in a loving relationship that’s a healthy thing for men.” And it’s not just an emotional health, either. Women can give their men the gentle push they need to stay on top of regular checkups. “Nagging is probably the wrong word,” says Stream with a laugh. Though when a male patient comes to see him, Stream often jokes, “So, what woman made you come in here?” Persuading the man in your life to stop avoiding the doctor’s office is a delicate dance. Stream says that instead of pushing, try simply expressing your honest concerns. “Say, ‘I want you to go to the doctor because I want you to be OK,’ ” Stream says. “It’s framing it for the positive. Talk about what you’re concerned about and why.” Regular checkups play a big part in preventive health. Finding any health issue early means a much better chance at eradicating it. After all, there’s no use in denying that your body is getting older. As Clooney said during an interview with The Daily Telegraph, “I’m kind of comfortable with getting older because it’s better than the other option, which is being dead. So I’ll take getting older.” Yes, it’s the title of one of George Clooney’s many movies. But it’s also a way to describe what can happen at 50, if you don’t have a primary care physician and don’t know your family history. “Having a physician that knows you, your care is personalized,” says Glen Stream, M.D., president-elect of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Why go? Because here’s what you—and your doctor—should watch for after 50: • Heart disease. Get your blood pressure checked every two years and your cholesterol checked regularly (as recommended by your doctor). A blood sugar test to check for diabetes should also occur regularly. “If you’re overweight or have high blood pressure, this screening is even more important,” Stream says. • Colon cancer. A colonoscopy should be done every 10 years, according to the AAFP. Stream says this test should be based on a doctor’s recommendation. • Prostate cancer. A prostate-specific antigen test to screen for cancer should be done only if your doctor recommends it. “This is based on your personal family medical history,” Stream says. ONLINE Go to parrishmed.com/ vimandvigoronline today—and every day—for a “Health Tip of the Day.” These quick pick-me-ups help you lower your risk for disease, deal with stress, and more. Quick, Daily Health Tips Vim & Vigor • SUMM ER 2011 33 http://www.parrishmed.com/vimandvigoronline http://www.parrishmed.com/vimandvigoronline

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
What’s New?
Navigating the Healthcare Waters
Girl Talk
Say What?
Action Plan
Like This? Try That!
On the Cover
A Day in the Life of Your Heart
Unexpected Heroes
Get in Gear
A Real Lifesaver
Extras, Extras
Community Health
Thriving With Diabetes
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - Parrish Medical Center