Six myths about health that every guys should know from Dr. Tony Hampton of Advocate Health Care

Dr. Tony Hampton, medical director and family medicine physician for Advocate Health Care, talks about what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to men’s health.

Myth #1: Do you really need to go to the doctor every year?

Dr. Hampton: Although your health seems ok on the surface, a doctor’s visit can detect things early like high blood pressure, bad cholesterol or high glucose. As part of prevention, it’s also important that you take care of your health each and every day by eating well and exercising at least 150 minutes a week.

Myth #2: It runs in my family so I can’t do anything about it.

Dr. Hampton: Knowing the past can create a healthier future. Lifestyle modifications like eating right, exercising, reducing stress and not smoking can help you take steps to have a better outcome. Tell your doctor if heart disease, asthma, high cholesterol, stroke, or mental health disorders runs in your family.

Myth #3: Red meat is bad for your health

Dr. Hampton: Lean red meat can be healthy if consumed in moderation. Choose lean cuts of beef, veal, lamb, pork and even bison. Also make sure to incorporate white meat into your diet like chicken, fish or turkey. White meat can have less cholesterol and saturated fat than red meat.

Myth #4: I can’t afford to eat healthy

Dr. Hampton: Currently, almost 74 percent of men are considered to be overweight or obese in the U.S. Eating healthy on a budget can be easy as long as you have a “game plan.” Find weekly deals, make a grocery list and save. To learn more about eating healthy on a budget, visit Choose My Plate.

Myth #5: I’ve heard that having a vasectomy can negatively affect my sexual function.

Dr. Hampton: A vasectomy is extremely safe and effective. It doesn’t change a man’s sex drive nor does it have any real effect on testosterone or ejaculation. More than 500,000 men get a vasectomy every year. Compared to the more than 10-15 million women who have higher risk surgeries like tubal ligation (tube tied) each year, vasectomies are a better option for couples. In fact, tubal ligations can be done in the office in 10-20 minutes under local anesthesia.

Myth #6: More men die from prostate cancer than from any other type of cancer.

Dr. Hampton: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the U.S. Some advances in prostate cancer treatment have also resulted in nonsurgical approaches to this condition. These include hormone therapy as well as vaccines, which target the prostate. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, never avoid treatment because of the fear of surgery or radiation.

Dr. Hampton practices in Chicago and he has more than 18 years of experience in the field. He lives in Oak Park with his wife and two teenagers. He loves learning new things. Besides having his medical degree and his master’s in business, he is also currently learning how to speak Spanish fluently.

To learn more information about screenings, tests and health issues specific to men, visit ManUpatAdvocate.com. People can also make same-day primary care appointments by calling 1.800.3.ADVOCATE.