Myth: Depression is a women’s issue
Fact: Mental health issues affect everyone

Depression occurs in both women and men, but may be more difficult to recognize in men. Men often focus on the physical symptoms of depression – headaches, sleep problems, chronic pain – rather than emotional issues.

Guthrie primary care providers offer regular screenings for depression. If you are concerned about depression or another mental health issue, talk with your primary care provider.

Myth: Weak bones happen in only women
Fact: Men can also develop osteoporosis

Several factors put men at risk for osteoporosis, including low testosterone, smoking, excess alcohol use, being inactive and gastrointestinal disease. Your primary care provider can help you assess your risk and order testing, if appropriate.

Myth: Vaccinations are for babies
Fact: Adults need protection from disease too

Babies and small children do receive the vast majority of vaccines, but adults need protection too. Everyone should receive a flu shot every year, and most adults should also receive:

  • Tetanus every 10 years
  • Pneumonia vaccine after age 65
  • Shingles vaccine after age 65

Ask your primary care provider which vaccinations are right for you.

Myth: Menopause can’t happen in men
Fact: Men experience hormone changes as they age

“Male menopause” is a term sometimes use to describe the normal decrease in testosterone as men age. Many men experience no symptoms as their testosterone levels decrease, but some may report:

  • Changes in sexual function
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Physical changes such as increased body fat or reduced strength
  • Emotional changes

A blood test is the only way to diagnose or confirm low testosterone levels. Talk to your primary care provider if you have concerns or questions.

Myth: Prostate cancer kills the most men
Fact: Of all cancers, lung cancer is the most deadly for men

Prostate cancer is common in men, it’s true, but the most deadly cancer for men is lung cancer.  Smokers are at increased risk for lung cancer, especially heavier smokers at older ages. Guthrie offers low-dose CT lung cancer screening at eight locations in Pennsylvania and New York. Medicare recommends this screening if you:

  • Are 55-77 years old
  • no signs of symptoms of lung cancer
  • Have not previously had lung cancer
  • Currently smoke or quit less than 15 years ago.
  • Are or we are heavy smoker

To learn if lung cancer screening is right for you, call 844-999-LUNG (5864).