Rockaway Men’s Health: What To Know

By Dan Guarino

In may be a truism that men are often the very last people to go to a doctor.

But as Episcopal Health Services (EHS) Family Medicine Program Director Dr. Richard Steward III D.O. notes, for men “maintaining your health isn’t just about adding years to your life. It is about improving the quality of those years.”

Beyond seeking immediate medical care for injuries or major illnesses, he says, making it a routine to check in for “preventive care and regular checkups can identify small problems before they become serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.”

As a practitioner at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Rockaway’s sole hospital center, he observes, “We most commonly see high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and prostate conditions. Mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety, are also prevalent, though they are less frequently discussed. Left unmanaged, these issues not only shorten life expectancy but also significantly diminish quality of life.”

However, as a 2023 Cleveland Clinic study of 1,000 American men ages 18 and older found, “only three out of five men get annual physicals. (Only) over 40%…go to the doctor when they think they have a serious medical condition.” Eighty-three percent “have experienced stress in the last six months” and “more than half of men said their health wasn’t something they talk about.”  Men are also far less prone than women to visit their doctor.

Dr. Steward explains, “Many men delay seeking care due to busy work and family schedules, financial barriers, or lack of insurance. In addition, there can be a cultural or personal stigma—some men view asking for help as a sign of weakness. Others avoid care altogether out of fear of a serious diagnosis, convincing themselves that “if it is not discussed, it doesn’t exist.”

Still, as one diagnostic patient observed, “Whatever is there is there anyway. If you know what it is, then you can deal with it. Or get peace of mind if you find out it is nothing.”

Do men have a harder time talking to their doctor? “Absolutely,” says Dr. Steward. “Many men struggle with discussing sensitive physical or emotional concerns, often because they do not want to appear vulnerable. I encourage patients to bring questions with them and to remember that our role as physicians is to support, not judge.”

He notes, “At EHS, we provide a person-centered approach that integrates primary care, mental health, and preventive screenings, making it easier for men to address health concerns early and maintain long-term wellness.”

What should men add to their “to-do” lists to stay in good health, including regular diagnostic tests and checkups?

Dr. Steward advises men should begin annual blood pressure checks as early as age 18. Cholesterol screening is recommended starting at age 35, and colon cancer screening at age 45. Prostate cancer discussions generally begin at age 50, though earlier screening may be appropriate for those at higher risk. Routine vaccines, dental care, and annual wellness visits are equally important. “Too often, men wait until they are ill to see a physician. Annual preventive visits help identify problems early and keep health on track,” he adds.

Few could argue that it is easier, and less costly, for example to treat a wound when it’s a small cut than putting off care until it becomes a severe infection. It’s the same with conditions that are treatable when caught at their earliest stages.

Besides making medical care a regular part of their routine, men are at their best in both physical and mental health when they get enough sleep.  “Set aside no more than eight hours for sleep,” the Mayo Clinic notes. Most people don’t need more than that to be well rested. Going to bed and getting up the same time seven days a week consistently, “reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle.”

Though carrying extra weight may add to ongoing issues, many men may avoid the restrictive idea of “dieting” for better health. However, as Ohio and Indiana’s Parkview Health systems points out, “The biggest difference between going on a diet and changing your lifestyle is that a diet will always be short term, no matter how long you stay on it.”

They add that results may also be short term. “Chances are that when you go back to ‘normal living,’ your weight will come back too. Diets, more times than not, are about restrictions, limitations, and cutting foods from your diet. But when you think long term, cutting out foods permanently doesn’t seem like a very realistic option.” Many insurance plans cover nutritionist visits to come up with attainable real-life, non-bland eating options.

About exercise, Dr. Steward states, “Men should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, enough to raise the heart rate and work up a light sweat while still being able to carry on a conversation. Activities like walking, biking, or swimming are excellent choices. Strength training should be included twice weekly.”

“Too little activity increases the risk of chronic disease, while overtraining or focusing only on one type of exercise can result in injury. A balanced approach—cardio, strength, and flexibility training—provides the greatest benefit.”

Thankfully, more men are seeking the benefits of good health. “While stigma still exists,” Dr. Steward observes, “we are seeing a cultural shift toward greater acceptance of proactive self-care.”

EHS, he says, offers comprehensive, individual care, where primary care physicians collaborate with social workers, behavioral health specialists, and peer support staff to address not only physical health but also emotional and social well-being. Their preventive screenings include blood pressure and cholesterol checks, diabetes monitoring, colonoscopies, and prostate evaluations. They also provide chronic disease management, mental health support, and access to wellness programs, along with telehealth, community health fairs, and educational initiatives.

The goal, Dr. Steward says, is make it “easier for men to stay engaged in their care and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

And it can all start with a visit to your doctor.