Too many men put off doctor visits until something goes seriously wrong. This June, we’re changing that conversation. One checkup at a time. Men are significantly less likely than women to visit a doctor for preventive care, even when risk factors are already present and warning signs are starting to show. That gap between need and action has real consequences, and Men’s Health Month exists specifically to close it.
At Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma, we see this reality play out in our community every day. Men often walk through our doors only after symptoms have been present for months, sometimes years. The encouraging news? Most of the conditions that quietly shorten men’s lives are highly preventable or manageable when caught early. So let’s talk about what every man needs to know to achieve better health.
Heart Disease
When we talk about men’s health, the conversation almost always starts, and rightly so, with the heart. Heart disease kills more men each year than any other condition, and what makes it so dangerous is that it often develops silently. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arterial plaque can accumulate over years without a single noticeable symptom. Then, normal daily stress can take an unexpected toll, and a heart attack strikes.
The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable. Our Heart and Vascular Services team works with men across Southwest Oklahoma to catch these issues early and create personalized plans to reduce risk. Here is what you can do right now to protect your heart health:
- Know Your Numbers: Blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg and LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dL are ideal targets. Ask your doctor where you stand.
- Move More: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, even brisk walking counts.
- Cut the Sodium: Most American men consume far too much salt. Reducing it significantly lowers blood pressure over time.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking doubles the risk of heart disease. Our primary care team can connect you with cessation resources.
Cancer Screenings
Cancer doesn’t care how strong or busy you are. Prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer are among the most common cancers affecting men, and all three have dramatically better outcomes when detected early. Yet screening rates among men, particularly in rural communities, remain stubbornly low.
Fortunately, men in Southwest Oklahoma can access life-saving screenings and expert oncology care right here at home through the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma, a proud member of the Memorial Health family. Here is a straightforward look at the preventative screenings every men’s health plan should include:
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): Detects prostate cancer and inflammation. Start discussing this at age 50, or age 40 to 45 for higher-risk individuals.
- Colonoscopy: Screens for colorectal cancer and polyps. Start at age 45 for average risk, or sooner if you have a family history.
- Low-Dose CT Scan: Screens for lung cancer. Recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history.
- Blood Pressure Check: Detects hypertension. Get this checked every year starting at age 18.
- Cholesterol Panel (Lipid Profile): Assesses cardiovascular disease risk. Check every 4 to 6 years starting at age 35, or earlier if risk factors are present.
- Blood Glucose / A1C: Screens for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Recommended for adults ages 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese.
Mental Health
But protecting your health goes beyond physical screenings alone. Men are often less likely than women to seek help for depression, anxiety, or substance use. Yet they are far less likely to seek the help that’s available to them. That’s not because men are tougher. It’s because our culture has historically made it harder for men to ask for help.
Our Behavioral Health Services team offers compassionate, confidential support for men navigating depression, stress, trauma, and more. If you’ve been feeling persistently low, irritable, disconnected, or like you’re just going through the motions, please reach out. You deserve support, and there’s no shame in getting it.
Lifestyle Habits for Men’s Health
Beyond screenings and appointments, the everyday choices men make have an enormous cumulative effect on their long-term health. Fortunately, even small, consistent changes compound over time into major results. Consider building these simple habits into your routine this June:
- Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your heart and muscles to fully recover.
- Hydrate Correctly: Swap out sugary sodas or energy drinks for pure water, especially during intense Oklahoma summer heat waves.
- Manage your weight: Excess weight — particularly around the abdomen — significantly raises the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Small, sustainable changes to diet and activity level add up faster than you’d expect.
- Schedule an Annual Checkup: Establish a relationship with a local primary care provider. Having a doctor who knows your health baseline is your best defense against chronic illness.
Make One Commitment
Men’s Health Month isn’t about overhauling your entire life overnight. It’s about making one commitment. Book that appointment you’ve been putting off, have that honest conversation with your doctor, or get that screening your spouse has been asking about for two years.
Living in a rural or semi-rural community adds unique challenges to accessing healthcare. Greater distances, demanding work schedules, and cultural attitudes that can make “tough it out” feel like the only option. We understand that reality, and at Memorial Health System, we’ve built our services to meet you where you are.
Whether you need a family care provider for routine checkups, specialized men’s health services through our Urology department, or cardiac monitoring through our Heart and Vascular team, Memorial offers comprehensive care right here in Lawton. You don’t have to drive hours for world-class care. It’s already in your backyard.
Take the first step today! Schedule your annual exam with a Memorial Health provider. Your health is worth it and your family needs you at your best.
Resources:
https://menshealthnetwork.org/
Disclaimer:
The Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma (MHS) website does not provide specific medical advice for individual cases. MHS does not endorse any services obtained through information provided on this site, articles on the site or any links on this site.
Use of the information obtained by the Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma website does not replace medical advice given by a qualified medical provider to meet the medical needs of our readers or others.
While content is frequently updated, medical information changes quickly. Information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. For questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@memorialhealthswok.com.