When it comes to keeping their bodies “tuned-up,” men are the weaker sex. Only 57% of men visited the doctor within the past year, compared to 74% of women.  Men are also hospitalized more often for preventable conditions such as congestive heart failure and diabetes complications.  It is for these reasons that MetroSouth Medical Center dedicated their summer campaign to Tune-Up Time for Dads.  MetroSouth is urging their communities’ children, wives, aunts, cousins and neighbors to band together to get the special man in their life to the doctor.

This campaign in Chicago’s Southland comes at the same time when the national government in partnership with the Ad Council is launching a similar campaign nationwide.  TV and print commercials will be seen throughout the country urging men to visit the doctor.

Screening recommendations for men were developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.  These have been adopted by MetroSouth and are available in a convenient folder format.  All men visiting a MetroSouth Medical Center physician by Labor Day will receive this complimentary organizational tool.  This folder can be used by men to store their medical records as well track adherence to the recommended screenings.

For example, men between 65-75 years of age who have smoked cigarettes should be screened for an aortic aneurysm.   Furthermore, men should have their body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels checked annually.

As an additional incentive for men to visit the doctor, MetroSouth Medical Center is offering a family gift for every man that has a tune-up before September 30, 2010.  Appointments can be scheduled at locations throughout the Southland by calling 708 489-7925.

Following are the screenings that MetroSouth Medical Center Family Medicine physicians recommend discussing with your physicians.

Screening Tests for Men: What You Need and When

Screening tests can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which ones apply to you and when and how often you should be tested.

Obesity: Have your body mass index (BMI) calculated to screen for obesity.

High Cholesterol: Have your cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 35. If you are younger than 35, talk to your doctor about whether to have your cholesterol checked if:

• You have diabetes.
• You have high blood pressure.
• Heart disease runs in your family.
• You smoke.

High Blood Pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.

Colorectal Cancer: Have a test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. If you have a family history of colorectal, discuss with your doctor.

Diabetes: Have a test for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Depression: Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. If you have felt “down,” sad, disinterested, or hopeless you may be depressed.

Sexually Transmitted Infections: Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be tested for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, or other sexually transmitted infections.

HIV: Talk to your doctor about HIV screening if you:

• Have had sex with men since 1975.
• Have had unprotected sex with multiple partners.
• Have used or now use injection drugs.
• Exchange sex for money or drugs or have sex partners who do.
• Have past or present sex partners who are HIV-infected, are bisexual, or use injection drugs.
• Are being treated for sexually transmitted diseases.
• Had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever smoked, you need to be screened for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Prostate cancer: Discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of screening for prostate cancer starting at age 40, especially if you have a family history.