Men's Health | MEC

MEN’S HEALTH:

THE OWNER’S MANUAL

Pro tips and education to guide you in troubleshooting and maintaining peak physical, mental and sexual health.

Click the sections below to jump ahead.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH

SEXUAL HEALTH

MEET THE EXPERTS

Most men will do anything to avoid seeing a doctor.
We’ve set out to change that.

At QuadMed, we focus on removing barriers to make health care more accessible and more affordable.

access

The health center is located near the workplace to provide easier access to visits.

services

We can help with weight management, anxiety, erectile dysfunction and more.

cost

Preventive visits (i.e. physicals, immunizations) are free. All other visits are $20.

privacy

Your medical information is confidential and is never shared with your employer.

Been putting off a concern?
Schedule an in-person or virtual visit today.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

PRO TIPS

HOW TO IMPROVE

RECOMMENDED SCREENINGS

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

MEN’S HEALTH PRO TIPS:

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Hear from QuadMed Physician Assistant Chris Gantt, on the importance of your physical health.

When you think about physical health, you might think about shedding extra pounds, adding muscle, or simply staying active.

Physical health can mean something different to everyone, but there are general tips that every man can apply to improve physical health – regardless of age.

Here are some things you can try on your own.

Eat a healthy diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep
Be physically active
150 minutes of moderate exercise each week
(30 minutes, 5 times a week)
If you drink alcohol, have no more than two drinks a day
Don’t smoke

Here’s where we can help.

Get a physical every year
Stay current with routine exams and screenings
Receive and stay current with vaccinations
Get your annual flu shot

EVERY MAN. EVERY YEAR.

No matter your age, there are things you should be doing to ensure you’re at your healthiest and catching problems at their earliest. Click your age to see recommended screenings.

Overdue? We provide most screenings at the health center and can connect you with a specialist for anything else.

20's and 30’s

Physical every 1-2 years
Annual blood pressure check
Cholesterol test every 3 years, starting age 35 for men with no known risk factors for heart disease
Diabetes screening every 3 years in patients with overweight or obesity
Dental exam and cleaning once or twice a year
Eye exam every 1-2 years
Flu shot annually, other immunizations as recommended

40's

Physical every 1-2 years
Annual blood pressure check
Cholesterol test every 3 years
Colon cancer screening recommended starting at age 45
Diabetes screening every 3 years in patients who are overweight or obese
Dental exam and cleaning once or twice a year
Eye exam every 1-2 years
Flu shot annually, other immunizations as recommended

50's

Physical every 1-2 years
Annual blood pressure check
Cholesterol test every 3 years
Colon cancer screening based on prior results, risk factors and health care provider recommendation. Colonoscopy every 10 years if previous colonoscopy was normal.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exam (DRE) based on family history and symptoms
Diabetes screening every 3 years in patients who are overweight or obese
Dental exam and cleaning once or twice a year
Eye exam every 1-2 years
Flu shot annually, other immunizations as recommended
Annual lung cancer screening beginning at age 50 for smokers with a 20 pack/year smoking history that are currently smoking or have quit within the past 15 years

60's and older

Physical every 1-2 years
Annual blood pressure check
Cholesterol test every 3 years
Colon cancer screening based on prior results, risk factors and health care provider recommendation. Colonoscopy every 10 years if previous colonoscopy was normal.
Annual PSA and DRE exam based on family history and symptoms
Diabetes screening every 3 years in patients who are overweight or obese
Dental exam and cleaning once or twice a year
Eye exam every 1-2 years
Flu shot annually, other immunizations as recommended
Pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations
Annual lung cancer screening beginning at age 50 for smokers with a 20 pack/year smoking history that are currently smoking or have quit within the past 15 years

Annual physicals may not be at the top of your to-do list, but if you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, it’s important you don’t ignore them.

And remember, we’re here to help.

Chest pain or tightness
Abdominal pain
Sharp new pain or chronic pain anywhere
Sudden weight loss or gain

Changes in breathing
Changes in heart rate
Sudden onset vision change

Numbness or tingling
Blood in stool or urine
Dizziness, lightheaded feeling
Unexplained fatigue or weakness

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MENTAL HEALTH

PRO TIPS

HOW TO IMPROVE

WHEN TO REACH OUT

MEN’S HEALTH PRO TIPS:

MENTAL HEALTH

Hear from QuadMed Licensed Therapist Mark Jensen, on the importance of your mental health.

We all know that eating healthy and exercising is good for physical health. But what can you do to sharpen your mental health?

There are some suggestions you can try on your own, but the health center can also serve as a good first stop for treatment and support.

Here are some things you can try on your own.

Learn techniques to manage stress
Stick to a regular daily routine, including a regular sleep schedule
Stay active
Get involved in your community by volunteering or helping others
Join a faith community or find spiritual support
Reach out to friends or family for support
Breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness

Here’s where we can help.

Screen for anxiety and depression
Prescribe medications when necessary
Refer you to a specialist
Provide support and guidance
Answer your questions

When it’s time to reach out.

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment at the health center to discuss if further treatment may be needed.

Don’t feel comfortable coming in? We totally understand. That’s why we offer virtual visits to give you the care you need where you’re most comfortable.

Anger, irritability or aggressiveness
Feeling anxious, restless or “on edge”
Excessive fears, worries or guilt
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
Feeling sad, empty, flat or hopeless
Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, sex drive and/or appetite
Withdrawing from family, friends and activities
Problems sleeping and extreme tiredness
Problems with alcohol or drug use
Feelings of paranoia or experiencing hallucinations
Thinking about harming yourself or having suicidal thoughts

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SEXUAL
HEALTH

PRO TIPS

HOW TO IMPROVE

WHEN TO REACH OUT

MEN’S HEALTH PRO TIPS:

SEXUAL & PELVIC HEALTH

Hear from QuadMed Physical Therapist Chuck Schwiesow, on the importance of your sexual and pelvic health.

Sexual health is important whether you’re trying to prevent sexually transmitted infections or you’re worried about erectile dysfunction or another concern.

What you may not know is that many issues related to sexual health are related to the pelvic floor, a group of muscles that support the bottom of the pelvis and the organs inside the pelvis.

The pelvic floor plays a vital role in everyday functions, such as controlling your bowel and bladder continence and sexual function.

Some of the most common sexual health issues men encounter include:

Erectile Dysfunction

the inability to achieve and sustain an erection suitable for sex

Premature Ejaculation

ejaculating sooner than you or your sexual partner would like

Urinary Incontinence

the loss of bladder control, or being unable to control urination

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, affects as many as 30 million men, and it’s the most common sexual health problem that men report to their health care provider. And it can be treated through both medication and lifestyle changes.

Risk Factors

Being over age 50
Having high blood sugar (Diabetes)
Having high blood pressure
Having cardiovascular disease
Having high cholesterol
Smoking
Using drugs or drinking too much alcohol
Being obese
Being physically inactive

Causes

Physical causes

There is not enough blood flows into the penis
Health issues that can reduce blood flow into the penis, such as hardened arteries, heart disease, high blood sugar (Diabetes) and smoking
The penis cannot trap blood during an erection
Nerve signals from the brain or spinal cord do not reach the penis
Diabetes can cause small vessel disease or nerve damage to the penis
Cancer treatments near the pelvis can affect the penis’ functionality
Drugs used to treat other health problems can negatively impact erections

Emotional causes

Depression
Anxiety
Relationship conflicts
Stress at home or work
Stress from social, cultural or religious conflicts
Worry about sex performance

Treatment

Treatment for ED depends on the cause. It may include certain prescription medications, but lifestyle changes and other natural treatments can also help.

Lifestyle changes

Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health conditions
See your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests
Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and don’t use illegal drugs
Exercise regularly
Take steps to reduce stress
Get help for anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns

For many people, a physical exam and medical history are all that are needed to diagnose erectile dysfunction and recommend a treatment. If you have chronic health conditions or your health care provider suspects that an underlying condition might be involved, you might need further tests.

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is a common and treatable condition. Medications, counseling and sexual techniques that delay ejaculation — or a combination of these — can help improve sex for you and your partner.

Types

Lifelong. Lifelong premature ejaculation occurs all or nearly all of the time beginning with your first sexual encounters.
Acquired. Acquired premature ejaculation develops after you’ve had previous sexual experiences without ejaculatory problems.

Causes

Physical, chemical and emotional/psychological factors can cause premature ejaculation.

Physical and chemical problems include:

An underlying erectile dysfunction diagnosis
A hormonal problem with oxytocin levels
Low serotonin or dopamine levels (chemicals in the brain that are involved in sexual desire and excitement)
A penis that is extra sensitive to stimulation

Emotional or psychological causes include:

Performance anxiety. Could be due to the nervousness of being with a new partner, anxiousness of having sex again after a long period of abstinence, lack of confidence, guilt, being overly excited or stimulated or other reasons
Stress
Relationship problems
Depression

Treatment

Medical, behavioral and psychological therapy are the main treatments for premature ejaculation. Talk with your health care provider to decide the best choice for you.

Medical therapy

Oral medications
Numbing creams or sprays

Behavioral therapy

Squeeze method. With this method, you or your partner stimulates your penis until you are close to ejaculation. When you are close, you or your partner firmly squeezes your penis so your erection partly goes away. The goal is for you to become aware of the sensations leading to climax. The squeeze method may help you better control and delay climax on your own.
Stop-start method. In this method, you or your partner stimulates your penis until just before ejaculation. When you are about to climax, you or your partner stops until the urge to climax lets up. As you regain control, you and your partner start stimulating your penis again. This process is repeated 3 times. You ejaculate on the fourth time. You repeat this method 3 times a week until you have gained more control.

Psychological therapy

Psychological therapy is a way to work through the feelings and emotions that may lead to problems with sexual relationships to learn the source of problems and find solutions that may help PE. Psychological therapy can help you become less nervous about sexual performance. It can also give you greater sexual confidence and understanding to help your partner’s satisfaction.

Urinary Incontinence

Almost 1/3 of men have problems with urinary incontinence. And yet most don’t get medical help. The good news is that with the proper support, urinary incontinence problems can be cured or well controlled.

Types

Stress incontinence. Urine leaks when you exert pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting something heavy.
Urge incontinence. You have a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. You may need to urinate often, including throughout the night. Urge incontinence may be caused by a minor condition, such as infection, or a more severe condition such as a neurological disorder or diabetes.
Overflow incontinence. You experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn’t empty completely.
Functional incontinence. A physical or mental impairment keeps you from making it to the toilet in time. For example, if you have severe arthritis, you may not be able to unbutton your pants quickly enough.
Mixed incontinence. You experience more than one type of urinary incontinence — most often this refers to a combination of stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

Causes

There are several health and lifestyle issues that can cause loss of bladder control, including:

Certain diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s
Chronic coughing
Constipation
Obesity or lack of exercise
Old age
Problems with your prostate
Surgery
Urinary tract infection

Treatment

You may feel uncomfortable discussing incontinence with a health care provider. But if incontinence is frequent or is affecting your quality of life, it’s important to seek medical advice.

There are a few things you can try on your own:

Cut back on caffeine drinks, such as coffee and tea. Also cut back on fizzy drinks like soda. And don’t drink more than one alcoholic drink a day.
Eat foods high in fiber to help avoid constipation.
Don’t smoke.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Try simple pelvic-floor exercises like Kegels.
Go to the bathroom at several set times each day, and wear clothes that you can remove easily. Make your path to the bathroom as clear and quick as you can.
When you urinate, practice double voiding. This means going as much as you can, relaxing for a moment, and then going again.
Keep track of your symptoms and any leaking of urine with a bladder diary. This can help you and your health care provider find the best treatment for you.

We get it. Talking about sexual health problems isn’t exactly easy.

That’s why we offer virtual visits for a variety of health concerns.

If you don’t feel comfortable coming in, we can connect you with a health care provider by phone or video – however you’re most comfortable.

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MEN’S HEALTH PRO TIPS:

Hear from the QuadMed experts on all things men’s health.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

THE EXPERT:

MENTAL HEALTH

THE EXPERT:

SEXUAL HEALTH

THE EXPERT:

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Getting the care you need has never been so simple.

Whether physical, mental or sexual, we’re here to improve your health.

STEP 1

Schedule an appointment where you’re most comfortable.

In the health center or from the comfort of home. When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen.

STEP 2

You’ll receive confidential care and a plan to move forward.

A personalized treatment plan will be made to guide you in achieving your health goals.

STEP 3

We’ll empower you to be the best version of yourself.

You’ll receive the support you need to reach your full potential — at work and in life.

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MEN’S HEALTH:

THE OWNER’S MANUAL

Chris Gantt, MSBS, PA-C

Mark Jensen, LCSW

Chuck Schwiesow, DPT

access

services

cost

privacy

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Chris Gantt, MSBS, PA-C

MENTAL HEALTH

Mark Jensen, LCSW

SEXUAL
HEALTH

Chuck Schwiesow, DPT

Chris Gantt, MSBS, PA-C

Mark Jensen, LCSW

Chuck Schwiesow, DPT

"We'll keep you well;
and if you get sick,
we'll take care of that too."
- Harry V. Quadracci

MEN’S HEALTH:

THE OWNER’S MANUAL

Chris Gantt, MSBS, PA-C

Mark Jensen, LCSW

Chuck Schwiesow, DPT

access

services

cost

privacy

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Chris Gantt, MSBS, PA-C

MENTAL HEALTH

Mark Jensen, LCSW

SEXUALHEALTH

Chuck Schwiesow, DPT

Chris Gantt, MSBS, PA-C

Mark Jensen, LCSW

Chuck Schwiesow, DPT

"We'll keep you well; and if you get sick, we'll take care of that too." - Harry V. Quadracci

1.800.888.8932

SEXUAL
HEALTH

"We'll keep you well;
and if you get sick,
we'll take care of that too."
- Harry V. Quadracci