MercyOne Genesis Aims to Help Men Improve Their Health and Longevity

The best 'Dad bods' are the ones that check in with their doctors regularly and make sure they're not at risk for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and/or lung cancer.

Men encounter unique health challenges, and statistically, they are more likely to die from chronic and severe diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. June 2025 is Men’s Health Month, and MercyOne aims to remind men to prioritize their health by undergoing regular health screenings. 

“When you take a close look at the statistics like weight, diabetes, alcohol use and heart disease, a lot of these issues can be mitigated with simple lifestyle changes,” said Michael Persson, MD, MercyOne Medical Group.

According to USA.gov statistics:

• More than 60 percent of adult American men are overweight or obese. 

• 30.9% of men ages 18 and older reported having five or more drinks in one day at least once in the past year. 

• Only 28.3% of men ages 18 and older met the 2018 federal physical activity guidelines. 

As you age, your chances of developing prostate cancer increase. Race and genetics also play a significant role. If you are African American, your likelihood of developing prostate cancer is double that of white American men. Additionally, if your father, brother, or multiple blood relatives have had prostate cancer, you are more likely to develop it as well.

Preventing prostate cancer can be difficult if you have the above risk factors, but screening early and often can help ensure that if you do get cancer, it’s diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

In all three cases, personal routine and dietary changes can help mitigate these risk factors, guarding against and identifying signs of serious illness before they become more severe.

• Health screenings and doctor appointments. 

• Lifestyle choices:

• Eating a healthy diet

• Exercising

• Getting enough sleep

• Drinking alcohol in moderation

Mental Health

The stigma surrounding mental health can prevent men from seeking assistance with their mental health. 31% of men suffer from depression in their lifetime, and only 1/4 talk to a mental health professional. Poor mental health can lead to poor lifestyle choices that result in chronic health issues. Sadly, men die by suicide nearly four times as often as women. 

“Men often fear judgment when they are faced with mental health hurdles. There is no shame in seeking help. I want to encourage men to seek assistance when something is troubling them,” said Dr. Persson. “Start with your primary care provider during your annual check-up and see what they recommend.”