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If you’re a sports fan, you probably know your stats.

Like how NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins remains undefeated in Atlanta Hawks history for PTS (points: 23,292). And that Atlanta Brave Mike Soroka’s career ERA (earned run average) is 2.86. But there are a few, more important numbers you should know off the top of your head: your health stats.

Do you know your BP (blood pressure)? What about your LDL (low-density lipoproteins)? Maybe you can clock an eight-minute mile or bench press 250 pounds, but do you know your BMI (body mass index)?

Statistically speaking, men are less likely than women to see their doctor once a year.

Dr. Randolph Taylor, a Wellstar Sports and Primary Care Physician, said men typically avoid seeing a doctor due to fear of receiving bad news.

“Similar to how athletes look at their stats to improve their performance, we as men need to visit our primary care physicians regularly to know our medical stats in to order to perform as husbands, fathers and sons,” Dr. Taylor said. “Yearly physicals can catch illnesses before they start and prevent health issues from getting worse.”

Getting and staying healthy doesn’t just help us feel better — it ensures we can be there for those we care about, too.

“It’s also for loved ones — spouses, partners, children and parents. We’re not only here for us. We’re here for our friends and family,” said Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller. “The best thing you can do for those you care for is to take care of yourself.”

 

Stats all men should know to stay in the game:

• BMI (body mass index). This metric determines whether you have a healthy body weight and categorizes obesity levels. A normal BMI range is between 18.5 - 25.
• LDL and HDL (low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). This blood test measures cholesterol levels and should be part of your wellness routine starting in your 20s. For men age 20 or older, healthy LDL levels should be under 100 milligrams per deciliter and aim to keep your HDL above 40.
• BP (blood pressure). Your provider will take your blood pressure during your regular visit, but you can also find blood pressure checking stations at many pharmacies or buy your own device to use at home. Blood pressure under 120/80 is considered ideal.
• HgA1c (hemoglobin A1C). This metric measures whether or not you have healthy blood sugar. If you are diabetic, you should check your A1C every three months.
• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen Test). Men who are 50 or older should discuss prostate cancer testing with their provider, according to the American Cancer Society. Men at a higher risk, including African American men and those who had a brother or father diagnosed with cancer before age 65, should ask their provider about testing at age 45. Patients who had more than one close relative with prostate cancer at an early age should have this conversation with their provider when they’re 40.

 

Along with staying up-to-date on those health stats, men should also be getting regular colorectal cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer screening get checked regularly beginning at age 45. Screenings should continue through age 75, and after that patients can discuss their personal risk and history with their provider.

Your Wellstar primary care provider will partner with you in creating a personalized health plan. To find a primary care provider, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule an appointment online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page.

If you’re a sports fan, you’re probably glued to every game, rooting for your team and analyzing every play. But are you as vigilant with your own health?

In addition to knowing your health stats — those important numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar — you should also watch out for health conditions that more commonly impact men.

An annual physical gives you the opportunity to ask your provider questions about your health, and you’ll also get a few quick, crucial health screenings that can catch issues early or put you on track for staying well. 

“See a doctor at a minimum of once a year to prevent issues from occurring,” said Dr. Randolph Taylor, a Wellstar Primary Care and Sports Medicine Physician.

A minimum of a yearly exam will allow the discussion of issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and sex drive, Dr. Taylor said.

That annual checkup isn’t the only thing men need to do to stay healthy. Dr. Taylor also recommended that men get regular exercise and avoid smoking to stay in top shape and prevent illness.

Take action against these illnesses

Some illnesses are more likely to affect men than women, so men should be especially mindful about taking steps to prevent these issues:

• Cardiac issues. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. About 1 in 13 white men, 1 in 14 African American men and 1 in 17 Hispanic men have coronary heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Knowing your stats like blood pressure and cholesterol can help you assess your risk, and your Wellstar provider will collaborate with you on a personalized heart health plan.
• Lung cancer. Men are slightly more likely to get lung cancer — the lifetime risk for men is 1 in 15, while it is 1 in 17 for women, according to the American Cancer Society. African American men are about 15% more likely to develop lung cancer compared to white men. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.
• Parkinson’s disease. Men are more likely than women to have Parkinson’s disease. Wellstar’s neurologists and neurosurgeons are experts in helping patients manage this condition.
• Kidney stones. The lifetime risk of kidney stones is about 19% in men and 9% in women, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Staying hydrated can help prevent kidney stones.
• Prostate cancer. While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, African American men are more likely to get prostate cancer and are more commonly affected at younger ages. Men who are 50 or older should ask their doctor about testing, and African American men should discuss testing with their provider at age 45. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should also consider screenings at a younger age, and your provider will discuss your options with you. 

Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller also said men need to stay active and stay away from smoking. But he also said a few lifestyle changes that are sometimes overlooked can make a difference in how you feel.

“What’s often neglected is a full and consistent night’s sleep,” Dr. Miller said. “And keep stress under control — too much stress can negatively impact our immune systems.” 

To find a primary care provider, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page. 

With dedicated health resources and caring, compassionate providers, Wellstar is making care more accessible to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+).

Historically, many healthcare systems have not focused on the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Wellstar Family Medicine Physician Dr. Gabriella Maris addressed the gap in care.

“The LGBTQ+ community has been marginalized by the healthcare system,” Dr. Maris said. “There is a lack of providers who have adequate training to understand and treat their unique health risks.”

Wellstar believes every person should have access to safe, high-quality healthcare. At each of our primary care locations, we maintain a welcoming, non-judgmental environment to treat patients.

“I want to be a very vocal advocate and ally for people who identify as LGTBQ+,” said Dr. Jeremy Neuman, family medicine physician at Wellstar Vinings Health Park. “I want them to know this is a safe place. I am here to support them in their health and life goals.”

Our family medicine practice in Atlanta also offers specialized health services to people who are LGBTQ+, making it easier to get care close to home.

“My goal with this practice is to address the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community,” Dr. Maris said, who is a physician at the convenient Atlanta location.

Across Wellstar Health System, we’re committed to providing inclusive medical services in a safe, comfortable space to make LGBTQ+ care more available.