MCG HEALTH SYSTEM RECOGNIZES NATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH WEEK

Augusta, Ga. -- It's an old adage, but it's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

On average, men make fewer regular doctor's visits than women, and thus do not receive the benefits that preventive measures and early diagnosis of diseases can provide. "Waiting for problems to surface before seeing a physician is a bad idea," said Dr. Joseph Hobbs, Chief of Family Medicine at MCG Health System. "Disease prevention and health maintenance depends on early intervention. In fact, many diseases don't exhibit symptoms in the early stages, and waiting until these symptoms occur before consulting a physician could decrease the effectiveness of lifestyle and therapeutic interventions."

In recognition of National Men's Health Week (June 9-15), Dr. Hobbs offers the following suggestions on how to make health care a priority in men's lives:

• Happy Doctor's Visit! Annual check-ups are a priority,
  particularly as men get older. Why not schedule them at a time
  you'll remember-your birthday? Make check-ups an important
  part of this annual milestone.
• Load up on freebies. Health fairs are a great way to get free
  or low-cost screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, body fat
  and more, all significant factors for heart disease. Hospitals will
  also offer free or low-cost screenings for other diseases, such
  as prostate cancer, at regular times during the year.
• Bone up on your history. Your family's medical history is an
  important indicator of your own health. If you and your family
  haven't shared this information, make a point of bringing it up
  during the next family get-together so that everyone can
  benefit.
• Look good, feel better. Exercise is always recommended,
  because it works. Try to do something everyday to incorporate
  some physical activity into your life. Golfing, biking and
  rollerblading are some good options. Invest in a stationary bike
  or other such equipment so you can get in some exercise during
  your favorite shows.
• Eat right. All the exercise in the world won't help if you're
  eating too much of the wrong thing. But dieting doesn't mean
  you're limited to tiny portions of bland food. The key is
  moderation; eat the foods you like, but don't overdo it. Choose
  flavorful options: grill chicken, fish and vegetables on the
  backyard barbecue; make a hunter's salad with hearty greens,
  mushrooms and strips of steak; and snack on fresh fruits and
  vegetables. Also try eating at home more, since restaurant
  foods tend to be higher in fat and offer super-sized portions.
• Break the habit. Contact the American Cancer Society or the
  American Lung Association to find out about resources in your
  area to help you quit smoking. And if you fall off the wagon,
  keep trying; not everyone quits the same way. Joining a group
  is a great way to get support from people who understand what
  you're going through.
• Ignorance isn't bliss. If you're experiencing persistent
  symptoms, don't think they'll go away if you ignore them. Make
  a pact with your loved ones that you will visit a physician if you
  have a concern.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit MCGHealth.org.