With Dr. Dale Bishop June is National Men’s Health Month. Men’s Health Month focuses on why it is important for men to take care of their health. Only half of adult men have seen a doctor for preventive care in the past year. To make things worse, men are likely to delay or avoid getting medical help until a health problem becomes serious. Now is a great time for men to schedule a preventive care exam with their doctor. What is preventive care? Why is it important? Preventive care is routine health care. This includes checkups and screenings. These services can help prevent illnesses, find health problems early and promote overall health. Ask the doctor Dr. Bishop is the Chief Medical Officer at Central California Alliance for Health, serving Merced, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Preventive care visits are a chance for you to get answers to your health questions. Even if you’re feeling healthy, regular checkups are a good way to confirm your health or find a problem early. What are some preventive care services for men? Common preventive care services for men are: ■ Physical exam. A yearly exam can help detect any health problems, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. ■ Screenings. Screenings can help find health conditions early, when they are more treatable. Common serious health conditions in men include prostate cancer, colon cancer and heart disease. ■ Vaccinations. Vaccines protect against illnesses, such as the flu and pneumonia. ■ Sexual health. Discuss any sexual health concerns with your doctor. Get tested for sexually transmitted infections as needed. Does the Alliance cover preventive care? Yes. You can get preventive care services at no cost to you. How do I set up a preventive care visit? Call your doctor to schedule an appointment. Your doctor’s number is listed on your Alliance member ID card. Preventive care is key for men’s health Alliance member benefit! We have programs that help manage chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure. These are offered at no cost to members. Go to www.thealliance.health/healthrewards to learn about the programs we offer. Or call the Health Education Line at 800-700-3874, ext. 5580. Living Healthy 4
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