Forty years ago, a young man was sent out into the world with a sport coat, tie and the admonition to live long and prosper. Book-ended by the “Can do” and “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” social drives, many a man goosed his engine day and night, living life as if there were no tomorrow, and with rather predictable frequency, there was none.
In the ’90s, with the advent of dot-com businesses, man is now looking at the same game of life but with a few more rules, not the least of which is tenure on earth. In between the birth and death parts, he is going to put more time having good times and bad, which can result in illness, injury or simply mundane wearing out of vital and not-so-vital organs.
It follows that the most pragmatic advice to give a young or old man would be, “Don’t break it and you won’t have to fix it.” Common sense and responsibility will go a long way to establishing and maintaining a good physical and emotional health.
The Student Health Center has a Men’s Health Maintenance Program for any male student interested in overall or specific knowledge regarding his health. This program includes a physical examination and a health history questionnaire specific to men.
Consideration is given to such issues as testicular self-exams for young men and checks for colon and prostate cancer for men ages 50 and older.
Individual needs for sexually transmitted diseases, lipid profiles and immunizations are addressed. Emotional health, causes of stress and risky lifestyle behavior are discussed as needed. Follow-up care and advice regarding such topics as nutrition, sports injuries, anger and stress management and sexual health can also be addressed at the Student Health Center.
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A phone call to the Student Health Center reception area at 277-3136 is all that is necessary for a primary clinic visit with a physician for your Men’s Health Maintenance Program. There is no charge for the clinic visit for full-time students, however there may be charges to for laboratory tests or other services provided.
Realizing that living long and well is not a given for any of us, it is certainly probable that living long is the lot of all of us. Living well is attainable of anyone who subscribes to a healthier lifestyle. This includes a better awareness and knowledge of one’s well being.
Dr. Dennis Jackson is a physician at the UNM Student Health Center. He earned his medical degree at Vanderbilt University. He is a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners.
