Gen Z guys' health gaps
According to a Cleveland Clinic survey, Gen Z men born between 1997 and 2005 have some 'splaining to do about their health care. While they say healthy living is important, 40% don't have a primary care doctor. And many guys aren't sure if they've ever had their blood pressure, cholesterol or weight checked. Only around a third of them have an annual physical -- and just as many get their health info off of social media (not a great idea).
So, what's the smart approach to monitoring your health if you're a guy between the ages of 19 and 27? It's important to share your family health history with a health care provider so you can identify health risks that could affect you in the future. And knowing what your blood pressure and LDL cholesterol are can alert you to underlying conditions. You also want to protect your sexual/reproductive health, which can be affected by cardiovascular problems, overweight and prediabetes.
The longer you keep those basic measures of health in a good zone, the greater the benefits. Lowering LDL cholesterol from 140 to 70 mg/dL reduces your risk of cardiovascular issues by 3%-5% in the first 10 years, but by a whopping 30%-40% by the 30th year.
So, go see a PCP. No insurance? (That's about 15% of you.) Find out if you can go onto your parents' insurance; see if you qualify for Medicaid; and explore insurance options through Open Enrollment from November 1 to January 15. Also, read "Staying Healthy in Body and Mind" at iHerb.com/blog.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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