Buckeye Health Plan Encourages Men to Stay Up-to-Date on Screenings this Father’s Day
Date: 06/17/21
(Columbus, OH) – Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 50 percent of men engaged in preventative care. With many delaying important health appointments because of the pandemic, Buckeye Health Plan is raising awareness for men to make their health a priority.
“This Father’s Day, many families will show their appreciation for Dad,” said Dr. Brad Lucas, Buckeye Chief Medical Officer. “As a father and doctor, I encourage families to talk to Dad about making and keeping important health appointments.”
Health risks don’t delay. You shouldn’t either.
Eighty-two percent of men say it’s important to stay healthy so they can care for family members who rely upon them.[1] Yet, men often don’t make going to the doctor a priority. Seventy-two percent would prefer doing household chores, like cleaning the bathroom or mowing the lawn, over going to the doctor. Closed offices and safety concerns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic have caused many men to delay their preventative screenings and well visits. Dr. Lucas says that delays in preventative screenings could lead to more advanced, difficult conditions to treat. Now that doctors’ offices are open, men should make time to get caught up.
Men’s Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men—causing about one in four male deaths. In Ohio, men are 61 percent more likely to die from the disease than women. The American Heart Association says that 80 percent of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is preventable.
Heart disease can be a “silent” killer. Risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol can be hard to spot, with no outward symptoms. It’s estimated that one in five people don’t know they have high blood pressure. The longer high blood pressure and high cholesterol go unnoticed, the more damage they can cause to your cardiovascular system. Routine well visits are the best way to monitor these risk factors, and detect and manage the disease.
Cancer Threats
Prostate and colorectal cancer are two of the most common cancers in men. And, both are more prevalent with age. Men should get routine colonoscopies starting at age 50. The American Cancer Society recommends men talk with their doctor about getting tested for prostate cancer at the same age.
Screenings are key to preventing, detecting and treating these conditions. Colorectal cancer is treatable in 90 percent of cases when it’s found early through screenings. Prostate cancer rarely produces symptoms until it is incurable, making screenings more important to detect abnormalities early. In fact, prostate screenings have reduced mortality rates by 53 percent.
As your guide to better health, Buckeye helps members get to important health appointments and screenings. The health plan covers preventive screenings with no copay. Buckeye also rewards members for making healthy choices like getting an annual well visit. Rewards add up quickly and can be used to buy things like personal care items, healthy food, or pay for necessities like rent, utilities, and childcare. Learn more about men’s preventative care at BuckeyeHealthPlan.com.
About Buckeye Health Plan
Buckeye Health Plan offers managed healthcare for Ohioans on Medicaid, Medicare, integrated Medicaid-Medicare (called MyCare Ohio) and the Health Insurance Exchange. Since 2004, Buckeye has been dedicated to improving the health of Ohioans, many with low incomes, by providing coordinated healthcare and other essential supports that individuals and families need to grow and thrive. Follow Buckeye on Twitter @Buckeye_Health and on Facebook. Buckeye is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise offering core Medicaid, Medicare and specialty services.
Cleveland Clinic - Survey men will do almost anything to avoid going to the doctor.