Men's Health

Men's Health

Men experience unique symptoms and concerns for many major illnesses and medical conditions. North Mississippi Medical Center offers special programs and services to help men better understand their health risks and self-care choices.

Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety include difficulty sleeping, outbursts of anger, difficulty concentrating and irritability. Anxiety can cause a man to feel nervous or “on guard” and easily startled. The NMMC Behavioral Health Center offers individualized treatment based on the severity of symptoms and level of function.

Arthritis

Your primary care physician may refer you to a rheumatologist, an internal medicine physician who specializes in treating rheumatoid diseases such as arthritis. In addition, NMMC offers:

  • Physical and occupational therapy programs available by physician referral
  • Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program classes
  • Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic Program, a water-based exercise program for people with arthritis

For more information, call your local NMMC Wellness Center:

  • Baldwyn (662) 365-7873
  • Iuka (662) 423-1980
  • Pontotoc (662) 489-1335
  • Tupelo (662) 377-4141
  • West Point (662) 495-9355
  • Hamilton, Ala. (205) 921-2997

Back Problems

Chronic back and neck pain can keep you from doing the things you love. At the NMMC Spine Center, board-certified neurosurgeons focus on minimally-invasive surgery, pain management, rehabilitation and non-surgical treatment options to help you recover faster than you thought possible.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate)

The symptoms commonly associated with an enlarged prostate gland, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), are collectively called lower urinary tract symptoms, or LUTS. It should be noted that BPH is not always the cause of these symptoms. But if it is, many treatment options are available, including drug therapy, office-based minimally invasive treatments and surgery. Consult your physician or call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375) for referral to a urologist.

Cancer

NMMC provides a comprehensive cancer program with a full scope of services to diagnose, treat and help prevent cancer. NMMC's nationally-acclaimed Cancer Care is a one-of-a-kind resource for men and their families.

  • An associate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System Cancer Community Network. NMMC is the only UAB Health System Cancer Community Network associate in north Mississippi.
  • Approved by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
  • Radiation oncology accredited by American College of Radiology
  • Access to clinical trials
  • Three-dimensional treatment planning to pinpoint exact location of tumors and minimize radiation doses to uninvolved organs and tissues
  • Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, the most precise treatment option available for radiation oncology patients
  • Brachytherapy, internal radiation treatment given by implanting radioactive material directly into the tumor or very close to it
  • Prostate seed implantation
  • Joyce B. Atwell Cancer Resource Library
  • Social services
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Personal needs retail center
  • Transportation assistance
  • Support groups and programs
  • American Cancer Society volunteer is available on site to help patients find the resources they need.
  • (Grant writing, Medicaid forms, etc.)

For more information, call NMMC Cancer Care at (662) 377-4077.

Depression

Unlike grief or passing sadness, depression does not usually respond to changes in circumstances or go away with time. Depression can last for months or years if not treated. It can disrupt relationships, affect productivity and result in disability or even death. Call the NMMC Behavioral Health Center for help at (662) 377-3161.

Diabetes

NMMC’s Diabetes Treatment Center is dedicated to helping people with diabetes better understand their disease and inform them of new medications and technologies. For more information, call (662) 377-2500 or your local NMMC hospital.

Diet and Exercise

A man who exercises regularly and eats healthy foods feels better. He also faces a lower risk of health problems, including heart disease, osteoporosis, hypertension and diabetes.

NMMC Wellness Centers offer personalized exercise programs to help men attain a healthy weight.

NMMC Wellness Centers feature a wide variety of exercise equipment and classes for all ages and fitness levels:

  • Baldwyn (662) 365-7873
  • Eupora (662) 258-6221
  • Iuka (662) 423-1980
  • Pontotoc (662) 489-1335
  • Tupelo (662) 377-4141
  • West Point (662) 495-9355
  • Hamilton, Ala. (205) 921-2997

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Any disorder that causes injury to the nerves or impairs blood flow in the penis has the potential to cause ED, and incidence increases with age. More men have been seeking help and returning to normal sexual activity because of improved, successful treatments for ED. Consult your physician or call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375) for referral to a urologist.

Geriatrics

The mental and physical needs of an aging population can require a great deal of time and energy. As those demands increase, North Mississippi Medical Center can help. Geriatric males are at the greatest risk for depression and suicide, because of coexisting problems with other health concerns.

The NMMC Behavioral Health Center offers counseling, outpatient treatment and inpatient services coordinated by a psychiatrist board certified in adult psychiatry, geriatric psychology and psychosomatic medicine. Services are available to help those with memory disturbances, appetite disorders, medication adjustment/management, depression, anxiety and chemical dependency.

NMMC Home Health’s mental health specialists serve patients in a 16-county area.

Heartburn

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid backs up into the lower esophagus two or more times a week. Symptoms may range from heartburn and chest pain to unexplained choking, coughing and hoarseness and, if left untreated, may lead to esophageal cancer.

NMMC’s Heartburn Center of Mississippi at the Center for Digestive Health can help. For more information, call (662) 377-5792 or 1-877-825-0068.

Heart Disease

There’s much you can do to help protect yourself from the leading cause of death among American men. Talk with your physician to learn more about the risk factors for heart disease. The NMMC Heart and Vascular Institute offers educational programs and screenings throughout the year. Know the warning signs of heart disease that signal a heart attack. Time is muscle.

Infertility

Starting a family is one of the most exciting times a couple will experience – but that excitement can quickly turn to frustration and stress when months begin to tick by without getting pregnant. Nationwide 10 to 15 percent of all couples will face infertility issues, and many will be diagnosed with a reproductive disorder. Thankfully, advances in reproductive technology now mean that the vast majority of couples struggling to have a family can be successful given a little help. Infertility consultations and new patient visits are available. For appointment information with a reproductive endocrinologist, call (901) 747-2229 or 1-800-843-3375.

Joint Replacement

Men who have knee or hip replacement surgery at NMMC-Tupelo benefit from the services of the Joint Replacement Center. The center uses a team approach to surgical care, ensuring a smooth transition from pre-op through recovery. The health care team works together for a common goal: your good health. The center offers educational seminars that help men replace their fears with facts about joint replacement. For more information, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men nationwide. One of every three men who are diagnosed with cancer each year is diagnosed with prostate cancer. For many men a diagnosis of prostate cancer can be frightening, not only because of the threat to their lives, but because of the threat to their sexuality. If prostate cancer is detected early, you have a better chance of successful treatment. Contact your physician or call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375) for information about prostate cancer screening and a referral to a urologist.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The United States has the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases in the industrialized world, with an estimated 15.3 million new cases reported each year. The scary thing about STDs for men is that not all men experience symptoms, even if they are infected. Ask your physician if you have questions.

Skin Conditions

NMMC dermatologists have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating skin cancers, melanomas, moles, contact dermatitis and other conditions. Dermatologists can also help with cosmetic disorders, such as hair loss, nail problems and scars.

Sleep Disorders

At least 40 million Americans each year suffer from chronic, long-term sleep disorders, and an additional 20 million experience occasional sleeping problems. These disorders and the resulting sleep deprivation interfere with work, driving and social activities. Doctors have described more than 70 sleep disorders, most of which can be managed effectively once they are correctly diagnosed. The most common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy. NMMC's Sleep Disorders Center in Tupelo, Eupora, Iuka and West Point are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and staffed with highly trained technicians and board-certified physicians. Physician referral is required.

Stroke

A stroke is similar to a heart attack. It occurs when a blood vessel bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or some other particle. Treat every warning sign of stroke as an
emergency and get treatment immediately. Talk with your physician about the risk factors and warning signs of stroke.

Substance Abuse

The NMMC Behavioral Health Center can help individuals struggling with alcohol and drug problems, as well as provide information to family members and friends on how they can help.

Testicular Self-Exam

The testicular self-examination is an easy way for men to check their own testicles to make sure there aren’t any unusual lumps or bumps - which can be the first sign of testicular cancer. This cancer is the most common in males between the ages of 15 and 35.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure to make a man sterile. It is one of the most popular forms of contraception. For more information about vasectomies, consult your physician or call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375) for referral to a urologist.

Weight Loss Surgery

More than half of all Americans are obese. The NMMC Bariatric Center realizes that obesity increases the risk for several health problems, some of which can be fatal. Surgery may be an option for severely obese patients who haven’t been able to maintain weight loss using other methods.

Additional Resources for Men

Appointments

The Appointment Desk, 1-800-843-3375, is a free physician referral service. Callers speak with a referral specialist who can provide timely appointments with health care providers.

Nurse Link®

Nurse Link®, 1-800-822-6274, is a free telephone health information service. Callers speak directly to a registered nurse and get immediate answers. Using computerized medical protocols, nurses direct callers to the most appropriate medical treatment.

Early Prevention

Know when to see your physician and schedule these important health tests by age and frequency as recommended.

Health Test Purpose Frequency
Blood Pressure To check whether your blood pressure is too high
21 and over, at least once every two years and more often if directed by physician
Blood Sugar To check your blood (Glucose) sugar levels Every three to five years
Bone Density Scan To check the thickness of your bones As directed by physician
Cholesterol To check amount of different type of fat in your blood Every five years or as directed by doctor
Colonoscopy To detect colorectal cancer At 10-year intervals for average-risk persons
Dental Checkup To check for cavities and gum disease 18 and over, annually or as directed by dentist
Digital Rectal Exam To screen for colorectal and prostate cancer 40 and over, annually
Electrocardiogram To test heart function 18 and over, as directed by physician
Eye Exam To check your vision and look for other conditions, such as cataracts or glaucoma 18 and over, annually or as directed by physician
Fecal Occult Exam To screen for colorectal cancer 50 and over, annually
Hearing Test To check how well you hear As part of routine physical exam
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test To screen for prostate cancer 50 and over, annually
Routine Physical Exam To maintain health and catch problems early As directed by physician
Sigmoidoscopy To screen for colorectal cancer 50 and over, every three to five years
Skin Cancer Checkup To check for changes in any moles or for growths or sores that don’t heal Self-exam at least every three months; clinical exam as part of routine physical exam
Testicular Self-Exam To detect changes in appearance 15 and over, monthly while in the shower

Vaccinations

  • Flu Shot -- Every year to prevent the flu
  • Pneumococcal Vaccine -- Once around age 65 to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia -- A second dose is recommended for certain individuals.
  • Tetanus Shot -- Every 10 years to prevent tetanus, a serious bacterial infection