Black To Life… For A Healthier You

Men play a huge role in guarding women’s health

BY DR. ANNETTE MAYES

Great fathers do so many wonderful things for their families — and we celebrate them not just on Father’s Day, but each and every day.

This season is a good time to remind fathers about some of the little things they can do to help guard their partners’ well-being. Frequently, a husband or significant other is the first to detect an irregularity in a woman’s health — often before a doctor’s visit is scheduled. For example, an initial breast self-exam can be accomplished during intimacy. Men: If you feel something odd in your mate’s breast (a lump, for example, or liquid discharge from the nipple), it is wise to encourage her to have it checked out by an OB-GYN.

The same applies to sexual intercourse. If a man feels something unfamiliar in his mate’s vaginal area, he should be candid and recommend a physical examination. Some abnormal health conditions can be best detected through intimate touch, smell or sensation.

There are also emotional conditions that can be associated with physical health challenges. In both men and women, it can be the first sign of a thyroid problem. Sudden and unhealthy weight and/or hair loss are other indicators that mates and companions should take note of in day-to-day interactions.

We all want a reasonable degree of privacy in the bathroom, but there is nothing wrong with staying abreast of a mate’s bowel movements. Men and women should stay aware of their mates’ elimination frequency, and encourage colonoscopies when there are signs of trouble or a loved one reaches a certain milestone age.

Too often, we ignore the need for regular check-ups — but encouragement from a significant other might be all the motivation we need. There are many elements to a healthy relationship, and it makes a tremendous difference when we work hard to protect each other’s physical health.

For additional information, contact the Las Vegas All Women’s Care offices at (702) 522-9640. Or visit us at 700 Shadow Lane No. 165 (1st floor) in Las Vegas.