Movember Musings

If you notice more mustachioed men than usual this month, it could be some of them are taking part in Movember, a movement in which men grow a moustache for the month of November as a way of calling attention to men's health, including mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Dr. Marques Johnson, internal medicine physician who recently joined UConn Health and is seeing patients in Southington, shares his observations about men's health.

Why do you think this movement is important?

This movement is important because historically men utilize health care at a lower rate in comparison to women. Often these health issues, when identified earlier, are associated with decreased morbidity.

There seems to be a perception that men don't do a great job when it comes to taking preventive health steps. What do you find in your practice?

I find that this is not the case in my practice, it is more that men have less of an understanding regarding their health risks due to lack of public awareness.

How do you encourage your male patients to take a more active role in their health, specifically in relation to screenings?

I try to have them advocate for themselves more when something feels off, listen to their body, and empower them with the information necessary to prevent what we screen for.

When it comes to unhealthy lifestyle choices or avoidable health risks among your male patients, what would you say are the biggest offenses?

Often in my clinic, younger men are drinking more alcohol and not considering cardio when exercising, preferring to lift weights more so.

Can men do better with being forthcoming with their doctor when discussing behaviors such as smoking, drinking, sexual activity, etc.? What would you say to patients who find these conversations uncomfortable?

Yes, I believe it comes down to being honest with yourself regarding your lifestyle and habits. I'd tell patients that being forthcoming during uncomfortable conversations is how we identify risks that can save lives down the road.

Which aspects of men's health do you find your patients historically don't worry about enough, and which, relatively, might they worry about more than they should?

Men worry more about testosterone levels and muscle mass more than cholesterol, blood pressure, and prostate health.

There is a lot of misleading information out there, especially on social media, about what men should or shouldn't be doing in terms of diet and exercise. What is your basic advice on these trends and how a patient can find the right routine for themselves?

I'd start with trying to only take advice from medical professionals that are actively taking care of them; these providers can utilize all their personal risk factors when making medical recommendations.