Help Him Take a Hint

Men who think they are too “macho” to seek medical help could be looking for more trouble. A recent survey shows that men who ignore their symptoms end up making more trips to the doctor’s office in the long run. Here are some reasons why it’s important not to ignore any condition that could indicate something more serious.

Seventy-one-year-old Carlton seems healthy. However, he hasn’t always been that way. Carlton explains, “[I had] chest pains. A lot of chest pains.” Carlton did what many men do: He ignored his symptoms.

Fewer than 30 percent of patients seen at family clinics are male. Many men don’t realize there are certain signs they shouldn’t ignore.

If you wake up in the middle of the night short of breath and sweating, your T-shirt is wet, and your pillowcase is wet, that’s obviously not normal.

Loss of, or slurred, speech could mean a stroke.

If we’re interested in reversing the brain attack that a person may be having, prompt, urgent care is necessary.

Frequent urination can be a sign of prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends an annual prostate exam, beginning at age 50, including the commonly known PSA test. Higher-risk men should start earlier.

Carlton got help just in time. After heart bypass surgery, he has this piece of advice: “If you have any suspicions at all, see a doctor.”

Other symptoms to watch for include unquenchable thirst, which could mean diabetes. Also, impotence can be a sign for a vascular disease.