About Blue Ridge Medical Management Blue Ridge Physician Group Providers Blue Ridge Primary Care Locations Blue Ridge Physician Group Locations Services Physician Directory

Winter 2009

Men: Take Better Care of Your Health

When it comes to health, men and women are not created equal. For one thing, men tend to lead a less healthy lifestyle than women and take part in more risky behaviors. What’s more, women tend to take better care of themselves when they do get sick. But with health problems such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes looming, men need to take better care of themselves, too.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SEXES

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, men are less likely than women to get medical care and are nearly half as likely to take advantage of preventive health care measures such as physicals and screening tests. And even though the benefits of healthy habits such as eating right and getting exercise are well-known, men are increasingly overweight or obese.

WHAT MEN CAN DO

According to research reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, men who take care of their health in midlife are more likely to live longer.

“One of the most important steps men can take is to see their doctor for regular health screenings,” says Mark C. Jenkins, M.D., Indian Path Primary Care, a member of the Blue Ridge Physician Group. “Screening tests can detect diseases early, when they are easier to treat. There are screening tests for obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, colorectal cancer, and diabetes. Ask your doctor which tests you need and when.”

Here are some other important steps men can take:

  • Don’t smoke. Tobacco damages the entire body.
  • Stay active. Men should get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
  • Eat a healthy diet. The best way to get all the nutrients the body needs is to eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight contributes to many health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.

MEET THE DOCTOR

Mark C. Jenkins, M.D.
Indian Path Primary Care
Kingsport, TN
423-857-6292

Dr. Mark C. Jenkins is a family practice physician at Indian Path Primary Care in Kingsport. Dr. Jenkins completed his medical degree at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, and completed his residency at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Dr. Jenkins joined Blue Ridge Physician Group in 2006.



 |    |    |     |   |    |