What Men In Oregon Should Know About Their Health

Men’s health doesn’t just affect individuals. It affects families, workplaces, and communities. Whether you’re a father, son, partner, or friend, your health matters at Neighborhood Health Center (NHC); we believe everyone deserves care they can count on. That’s why, this Men’s Health Month, we’re highlighting five crucial health issues affecting men in Oregon and what you can do about them.

Men in Oregon face real health challenges, but the good news is that many of them can be prevented or treated early. Knowing what to watch for is the first step toward better health, whether you’re taking care of yourself, your partner, or a loved one.

a model of a heart

Take Care of Your Heart

Heart disease is one of the top causes of death for men in Oregon. Many men also have high blood pressure, which often has no symptoms but can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

What you can do:

  • Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year
  • Eat foods low in salt and fat
  • Move your body every day
  • Talk to your provider about cholesterol and heart health

Related: Common Questions and Answers about Heart Health

man sitting outside with face in his hands

Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health

Suicide is a leading cause of death for men in Oregon, especially for men between 35 and 54 years old. Many men feel like they have to “tough it out” or keep their emotions inside. But mental health is just as important as physical health.

What you can do:

  • Talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed, angry, or sad
  • Don’t wait until it gets worse — reach out early
  • NHC offers behavioral health services to support your mental wellness

Related: Recognizing When Stress and Anxiety Are More than a Rough Patch

two boxes of narcan

Know the Risks of Drug Use

Opioid overdoses have increased sharply in Oregon. Men are more likely to die from overdose or struggle with substance use.

What you can do:

  • Be aware of the risks, especially if you take pain medication
  • If you or someone you know needs help, NHC can connect you to treatment and support
  • You are not alone, and asking for help is a strong first step
a group of men jumping in the air

Health Isn’t Equal, And That Needs to Change

Black, Indigenous, and Pacific Islander men in Oregon are more likely to have health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. These are often linked to unfair access to care, stress, and other daily life challenges.

What you can do:

  • Get regular check-ups, even if you feel fine
  • Ask about your risk for chronic conditions
  • NHC offers affordable, culturally respectful care for everyone
a man coughing into his hand

Don’t Wait Until You’re Sick

Too many men skip going to the doctor until something feels wrong. But regular checkups can catch problems early and sometimes even prevent them.

What you can do:

  • Schedule a wellness visit once a year
  • Ask about screenings based on your age and family history
  • Bring up anything that’s been bothering you, even if it feels small

Related: 6 Reasons to Schedule an Annual Checkup, Even When You Feel Fine

Let’s Keep Oregon’s Men Healthy

You don’t have to wait for a health scare to take charge of your health. Whether it’s your first check-up in years or just time for a follow-up, NHC is here to help you every step of the way.

Please call us at (503) 941-3033 to schedule an appointment.

Your health matters. We’re here when you’re ready.

Sources:

Eddy Garcia, Physicians Associate at NHC Tanasbourne Medical and Dental Clinic

Eddy Garcia, Physicians Associate at NHC Tanasbourne Medical and Dental Clinic

This article was reviewed by Edgar Garcia, PA, a Physician Associate at NHC’s Tanasbourne Medical Clinic. Edgar provides primary care to patients of all ages, with experience serving rural communities and working in urgent and specialty care settings. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Edgar ensures NHC’s patient education reflects our commitment to accessible, whole-person care.