Men's Health: Beyond Physical to Mental Fitness

To improve men's health, it's important to remind men to put their physical and mental health front and center.

Physical Health

It’s always good to commit to a healthier lifestyle. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and smoking cessation will help you get and stay on track.

Men have a higher risk of developing a chronic illness than women. Screening is vital to detect underlying conditions and diseases for which many men are especially at risk, including:

• Colon and prostate cancers
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Unhealthy cholesterol

Mental Health

Although getting and staying healthy centers on the physical benefits, keeping one’s mental health top of mind also is paramount. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), depression can co-occur with other serious medical illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Difference in Depression

Beyond a weakened immune system that affects peace of mind for both men and women, men can differ from women in their willingness to talk about their feelings. This leaves family members and friends often unable to recognize depressive symptoms in men.

NIMH notes common depression symptoms for men include:

• Anger, irritability or aggressiveness

• Feeling anxious, restless or “on the edge”

• Loss of interest in work, family or once-pleasurable activities

• Problems with sexual desire and performance

• Feeling sad, "empty," flat or hopeless

• Not being able to concentrate or remember details

• Feeling very tired, not being able to sleep or sleeping too much

• Overeating or not wanting to eat at all

• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

• Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems

• Inability to meet the responsibilities of work, caring for family or other important activities

• Engaging in high-risk activities

• A need for alcohol or drugs

• Withdrawing from family and friends or becoming isolated

Finding Support

It’s false hope to think your depression will go away, and depression is highly treatable. I encourage you to consult your primary care provider. Talking with your doctor is a good first step. I am accepting new patients, and you can schedule with me online or by phone 816.691.5340. Or, find a Meritas Health primary care physician near you. A PCP can help diagnose your condition or refer you to a specialist.

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Michael Brown DO

Michael R. Brown, DO, is a family medicine doctor at Meritas Health Smithville. He provides primary care and enjoys treating entire generations of families. He works to build relationships with his patients by sharing information that helps them make better choices. His interests outside of work include spending time with his family, serving his church, running and photography. He is also an avid beekeeper.