The (Healthy) Parental Journey
As parents there is a multitude of life aspects and tasks that we are responsible for. From the somewhat simple like education and attempting to raise the kids to be somewhat normal (my kids are doomed!), to the more difficult like keeping the kids alive for a day. It’s safe to say that parents have a monumental task in raising children. However, one of the best things we can do during our parental journey is to take care of our own health. When we are at our optimal health we set a good example for our children of healthy living. That and when we feel better, we’re happier and happy parents make for happy kids. All I know is that I aim to live well into my 100’s so I can yap at my great, great grandchildren about how dim my childhood was all day while eating bon bons – because when you’re 100 years old you can do what you want. I am a Kaiser Permanente Orange County Ambassador, all opinions are my own.
Dad’s Health
As a mom I am pretty good at keeping up with my healthcare. I receive regular checkups from my Kaiser Permanente primary care physician and I take my health seriously. My husband on the other hand, like many men his age, is not so great at keeping up with his healthcare. That is why I recently had a conversation with Kaiser Permanente Orange County’s own Dr. Ray Nanda. Dr. Nanda has worked with KP Orange County for 11 years in family care. My goal during our conversation was to find out why many men don’t pay close enough attention to their health and what I can do to help not only my husband but perhaps you as well.
Why It Is Important For Men In Particular To Pay Attention To Their Health
According to Dr. Nanda, men are particularly susceptible to having diseases and problems that are more preventable. Dr. Nanda compared men’s point of view to “if it ain’t broke why fix it” whereas women tend to have a more sensitive and holistic view of their health. However, in order to stay healthy everyone needs regular maintenance just as a car needs regular oil changes. There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer. Many of the major health risks that men face such as Cardiovascular Disease can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat.
The Reasons Men Typically Put Off Doctors Visits
Dr. Nanda believes the reason many men put off regular doctor visits is because they don’t think about their health until there is a problem. Often, men are also reluctant to take a full day off of work to go to the doctor or they’re afraid the doctor will find something wrong. Of course these are just excuses and it is very important to be preventative in our healthcare – having regular checkups is key. Kaiser Permanente Orange County makes keeping up to date with healthcare as easy as possible for it’s members. Check out the online Personal Action Plan to make appointments and receive notifications. It doesn’t take long! Healthy men under 50 only need a check up every 5 years but this of course can vary based on things that are health risks like overweight and smoking and sedentary lifestyle, etc. that warrant checkups more frequently than that.
The loves of my life
Kinds of Questions To Ask Your Doctor
Dr. Nanda suggests that everyone ask one simple question during their regular health checkups: “Am I doing everything possible to maximize my health doctor?” He believes that if everyone attends regular health checkups our country will move from a sick care frame of mind to a focus on well care instead. Things such as exercise, sleep, weight management and meaningful relationships will set us all on the right track to optimal health.
In conclusion, it’s not only important for mens health but it is also important for everyone to receive regular health care checkups so we can live our best lives possible. Ask your doctor if you are due for a health checkup any time soon and log on now to Kaiser Permanente Orange County.
