Men’s Chronic Conditions
At Primary Care Partners of South Bend, we understand that living your adult life with a chronic illness can be discouraging and painful. Chronic illnesses can greatly influence daily activities, ability to work, and mental health. However, we are here to work with you to help improve your physical and mental symptoms. For men’s chronic conditions specifically, there are a few illnesses that are more common.
Heart Disease
The leading cause of death in adult men is heart disease. This is partially due to behaviors like heavy drinking and smoking that are more common in males. In addition, genetics can also be a cause of heart disease. The first step in reducing your risk of heart disease is to change your habits. To learn if you are at risk for heart disease, schedule your appointment online with Primary Care Partners of South Bend or call us at (574) 251-1200.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which the body has difficulty processing sugar. Type 2 diabetes is common in adult men. Those over 65 living with diabetes should be especially careful in everyday life. Additionally, eating a balanced diet and exercising is essential to staying healthy while living with diabetes. Primary Care Partners of South Bend can help you manage your diabetes and live a healthy life.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
AIDS is a syndrome caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Men account for the majority of AIDS cases in the United States. The HIV virus is spread through sharing drug injection needles or having unprotected sex with someone with HIV. There is a risk for infection anytime someone comes into contact with certain bodily fluids such as blood, semen, rectal fluid, breast milk, or vaginal fluids of an infected person. Notably, AIDS cannot be spread through kissing, sneezing, sweat, or sharing toilet seats. If you have or are at risk for HIV, contact Primary Care Partners of South Bend to learn all of your options. Remember, we treat every patient with respect and dignity.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is the result of the brain cells that control movement dying or not working properly. This progressive disease can cause uncontrollable tremors, shaking, and other movements. Parkinson’s disease is more common in men than women, so it is important to understand your genetic and environmental risks. If you have Parkinson’s Disease, Primary Care Partners of South Bend can help you create a treatment plan including medicine and self-care. To explore your options, reach out to us online or give us a call at (574) 251-1200.
Preventative Care
When you have a chronic illness, vaccinations become much more important. Namely, annual flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines are key in protecting compromised immune systems. Similarly, regularly using hand sanitizer and washing your hands can greatly reduce the risk of many infections.
It is important to share your medical history and concerns with your doctor. This way, we can better understand your condition and how to best treat your mental and physical symptoms.
Treating Symptoms
These chronic illnesses can often be accompanied by pain, fatigue, mental disorders, and a decreased range of motion. Therefore, we help treat men’s symptoms while helping them cope and understand that chronic illness does not mean living an unhealthy life. Some physical symptoms such as joint pain may be treated with musculoskeletal medicine or medication, others with lifestyle changes. Our overall goal is to help our patients manage their stress and maintain a positive life outlook through several types of mental health counseling and treatment plans.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions or are curious about your risk, call Primary Care Partners of South Bend at (574) 251-1200 or contact us online to get on your way to a healthier life.
