Movember: Moving the spotlight on men’s health issues
It’s “Movember,” when many men grow moustaches to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. Doctors say it’s imperative that men 45 and older talk about prostate cancer screenings with their primary care provider.
Good health should be a year-round concern for men – not just in November. With all It’s also important that men — and those who love and care about them — consider other health issues including low testosterone (low T), erectile dysfunction (ED) and fertility.
Men may be reluctant to discuss these issues, but addressing them may reveal silent health concerns. Erectile dysfunction may indicate a heart condition; low T can be associated with depression.
That’s why men should make an appointment with their primary care provider. During the visit, the provider will check blood pressure, record weight, and may order blood tests to review cholesterol, blood sugar and other levels that could indicate urological, cardiac and endocrine conditions. Excessive weight is a concern, because it is often related to degenerative arthritic changes in men, especially in their hips and knees.
Talk to your doctor. If you don’t have one, use our website’s Find a Doctor tool or call 888-700-6543 for a referral to a primary care physician near you.
Medical chaperones benefit patients and providers
Patient comfort and safety are a priority at Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS). The American Medical Association recently recommended that U.S. hospitals, clinics and practices include medical chaperones as members of the patient’s care team during sensitive exams, treatments and procedures. Following their lead, YNHHS adopted the practice to ensure that our patients feel comfortable and safe during treatment.
What is a medical chaperone?
A medical chaperone is a healthcare professional who is part of your care team. They are trained to assist during a visit that includes an exam, treatment or procedure of a sensitive body area. The chaperone ensures that the patient and the provider are comfortable, safe and secure during these exams or procedures. As a member of the care team, the medical chaperone follows all privacy and medical confidentiality regulations and protocols.
When is a chaperone required?
Medical chaperones are required during any exam, treatment or procedure that involves a sensitive body area. This includes:
- Pelvic examination
- Intravaginal physical therapy
- Examinations, treatments or procedures of or involving the internal or external genitalia
- Examinations, treatments or procedures of the breast(s)
- Rectal examinations, treatments or procedures
The chaperone is in the room only during the sensitive part of the exam, unless the chaperone is also providing medical assistance to the care team.
While friends and family can stay in the room during the exam or treatment at the patient’s request, they will not be considered chaperones for patients who are ages 13 and older. For patients who are under 13 years old, a parent or guardian may act as the chaperone. The patient or the provider can also request a chaperone in addition to the guardian.
Patients may request a medical chaperone be present for any other exam, treatment or procedure. If a medical chaperone is not available, you may reschedule the examination, treatment or procedure to include one.
The YNHH Auxiliary wants you!
As a member, you can be as active as your schedule allows. You can join committees focusing on fundraising or creating unique programs for patients. If philanthropic endeavors are more to your liking, look into the Toy Closet. You might also consider the Looking Forward Program that supports integrative medicine activities at Smilow Cancer Hospital, or the scholarship program for high school seniors pursuing healthcare-related careers.
New members are always welcome. Call 203-688-5717 or learn more about becoming a member today.
Preparing for your hysterectomy
YNHH offers a free webinar to help women scheduled for hysterectomies understand what happens during surgery, how to prepare for surgery, and what to expect during and after their hospital stay. Register online. You will receive a link to the video from the Women’s Health Gynecologic Surgery team that you can watch before your surgery. Invite your family and caregivers to view it with you. If you have any questions about your surgery, call your surgeon.
Find a Doc at YNHH
Are you looking for a physician? Call 888-700-6543 or visit our website’s Find a Doctor feature for information on physician specialties, office hours and locations as well as insurance plans accepted. Many of our physician practices offer telehealth video visits for your convenience.
Billing questions?
Yale New Haven Hospital offers financial counseling to patients and families. Spanish-speaking counselors are also available. To make an appointment with a financial counselor, call 855-547-4584.
