Just as preventative maintenance is important for our vehicles, bikes, and skis, regular checkups and age-appropriate preventative screenings are essential to staying healthy, preventing disease, and avoiding costly health complications later in life. life.

Research has shown that men die at higher rates for nine of the 10 leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and suicide. Because men are more likely to have poor health habits and less likely to see a doctor regularly, men die about five years earlier than women.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. According to the Men’s Health Network, more than half of premature deaths in men are preventable. Men can live longer and healthier lives by getting regular medical checkups.

June is Men’s Health Month, designated to raise awareness of preventable health conditions and encourage early detection and treatment of illnesses in men and boys.

Important factors influencing men’s health include lack of health insurance and insufficient number of visits to healthcare providers for health checkups and checkups.

Financial limitations need not be an obstacle to good health. Northwest Colorado Health Community Health Centers in Steamboat Springs and Craig offer the following preventive health services to men. Services are offered on a variable fee scale based on income and are available in English and Spanish.

Physical exams

Review your general health and discuss your concerns with a medical professional. Men 39 and under should have a physical exam every three years; men aged 40 to 49 every two years; and men 50 and older should have annual physical exams. Your provider will also discuss your risk and screening options for common cancers, such as prostate, skin and colon cancer, which are more likely to be successful when caught early.

Cardiovascular screening and diabetes

Cardiovascular screenings involve a blood pressure check and a simple finger prick. In less than 20 minutes, patients know their cholesterol panel – LDL (“bad” cholesterol), HDL (“good” cholesterol) and triglyceride levels. The test also reveals a person’s blood glucose level, a good indicator of diabetes risk. Follow-up sessions are available to create a personalized health improvement plan to help make small changes that can have a big impact on overall health. This service is available free of charge. To make an appointment, call 970-871-7692 in Craig or 970-871-7694 in Steamboat Springs.

HIV and STI testing

Screening for STIs including HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes simplex virus (HSV) is available on a sliding scale for uninsured patients. People of all ages can make a confidential appointment with one of our healthcare providers to discuss sexual health and family planning.

Integrated Behavioral Health Support

Physical and emotional health are linked and our thoughts, feelings and actions can affect our physical health. Our behavioral health providers help patients dealing with chronic health issues, stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, sleep issues and weight management.

Take charge of your health. Make an appointment for any of the above services by calling Northwest Colorado Health at 970-824-8233 in Craig or 970-879-1632 in Steamboat Springs. Visit NorthwestColoradoHealth.org for more information.

This article contains information from the Men’s Health Network, MensHealthNetwork.org.