Matthew O’Shea and Kenneth Troupe, longtime co-workers and college classmates from Topeka, turned a workplace watercooler idea into a business partnership. Their dedication to healthcare led them to establish a medical clinic - Heartland Health & Wellness - where programs are individualized and tailored to the patient. From weight loss to testosterone replacement therapy, their mission is to provide affordable, cost-effective medical care aimed at helping individuals live a robust and happy life.
TCL - Why do you think men tend to avoid seeking healthcare?
HHW - It’s well documented that compared to women, men are less likely to seek preventive care and usually pursue care only after a significant health event has already occurred. The golden question is ‘why’ and there is no single answer. As providers with over 30 years of combined healthcare service, we know preventative health care is essential and leads to significant improvements in longevity. The first step to breaking the norm is finding a practitioner, building a trusting relationship, and taking control of your health. Ask a friend, relative or colleague if they have any recommendations for a clinician. If they have none, book an appointment as a new patient with a provider close to your area. Treat your first visit like a date. If you do not feel a connection, move along and keep searching until you find a provider that feels like an old friend.
TCL - What are the most common issues men begin to experience as they age?
HHW - Father time is undefeated and even the manliest of men will fall victim. As men age some of the most common issues occur such as hair loss can start before you’re legally able to drink, testosterone starts to decline after your 30th birthday, and 18% of men have some type of erectile dysfunction by the age of 50. But there is hope depending on the cause, hair can be restored, testosterone can be replaced, and we can remove the dys from dysfunctional. Some other common issues include pain/arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, anxiety/depression, and prostate issues. Routine healthcare and screening are important to identify a problem early and start treatment to prevent bigger issues in the future.
TCL - How often should a man be seen for a physical exam?
HHW - Periodic visits may be more frequent for those with chronic health conditions. In the absence of chronic disease, we suggest men under the age of 49 visit their provider every 3 years for a health maintenance exam. Men over 50 should be seen yearly.
TCL - What are your top recommendations for preventative care?
HHW - Our top recommendations for preventative care would be:
- Cholesterol screenings for all men 35 years and older to prevent cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes: annually with labs
- Blood Pressure: annually
- Adult immunizations: stay current
- Stay up to date on vision screenings
- Tobacco cessation for all ages for prevention of lung-related illnesses and cardiovascular disease
- Excessive alcohol cessation for all ages to prevent liver disease
- PSA lab for prostate cancer screening starting at age 50
- Abdominal ultrasound for aneurysm screening: ages 65-75 if you have smoked 100 cigarettes in your lifetime
- Colonoscopy for colon cancer screening: age 45 for general population; If you have a first degree relative with colon cancer, start screening 10 years prior to that family member’s age at diagnosis
- Lung Cancer: Low dose CT for adults ages 50 to 80 years who have a 20-pack-per-year smoking history, currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening can be stopped when a person has not smoked for 15 years.
TCL - Why is it important for more men to make health a priority?
HHW - Males experience a much higher mortality rate than females at all stages of life from conception to advanced age. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in American men, with Cancer coming in second place. A lot of the major risk factors for CVD are modifiable. These risk factors include: diet, smoking, hypertension, cholesterol, obesity, physical activity, and diabetes. Men also face unique health issues like prostate cancer. Routine medical care for men can help with longevity and quality of life as we age. If men make their health a priority, they can decrease the statistics and extend this roller coaster ride we call life.
Visit heartlandhealthtopeka.com.