When it comes to gender-specific health care, women have the well-established field of gynecology, “the science of women” that guides lifelong wellness and evaluations.
Men, on the other hand, have traditionally followed more of an undefined path for their health and well-being.
“There really isn’t anywhere for men to go for preventative care. There’s a lot of different sources for women, primarily their OB/GYN, but there’s nowhere specific for men,” says Lindsay O’Hara, a family nurse practitioner at Urology Associates in Kalispell.
O’Hara has been instrumental in launching a new specialized source for men of all ages. Glacier Men’s Healthcare opened two weeks ago in Kalispell, at 350 Heritage Way in The Rock building, as a go-to source for health exams, dietary and fitness programs, fertility services and more.
“Typically we see a drop in men seeking health care after the age of 14, and we don’t see them again until there’s a big problem essentially,” O’Hara said.
The goal of the new men’s clinic to provide preventative and pro-active guidance, whether it’s quitting tobacco or addressing insomnia, while also developing personalized fitness and dietary programs that promote a healthy lifestyle, she said.
“We want to entice men, specifically between the ages of 40 and 70, to get out and be active and enjoy the environment we live in, the beautiful Flathead Valley, and experience the hiking, fishing and other activities we have here,” she said.
Personalized health and wellness programs have gained increasing attention in recent years as the benefits become more obvious and particularly as the Baby Boomer generation hits retirement age. By 2018, senior citizens will make up nearly one-fifth of the population in Flathead County, according to government data. By 2025, Montana is projected to have the third highest percentage of elderly residents in the nation.
“It’s never too soon to pay attention to your health,” said Tanna Darling, practice administrator at Urology Associates. “We really want to be pivotal in helping that patient make the best choice for their future.”
Men are 1.5 times more likely to die of heart disease, diabetes or a stroke than women, according to research, and roughly 40 percent of men skip out on preventative health care screenings.
To broaden the scope of the clinic’s services, Glacier Men’s Healthcare has partnered with Grey Ruegamer, a certified health and wellness coach at The Summit Medical Fitness Center and Kalispell Regional Healthcare. Ruegamer was an offensive lineman in the NFL for 11 seasons, earning two Super Bowl rings, with the New England Patriots and New York Giants.
“By and large, guys don’t really ask for help. It doesn’t matter whether it’s mental or physical, they don’t go see a doctor until they can’t use it anymore and sometimes that prolonged wait has caused more problems,” he said.
Ruegamer will work with individuals to establish fitness programs catered to their needs and goals, while also coordinating the program with the team at Glacier Men’s Healthcare to create unique comprehensive health plans.
“This is a one-stop shop,” Ruegamer said.
For more information about Glacier Men’s Healthcare, call 406-752-8456.