Regular check-ups are vitally important during the COVID-19 pandemic

During Men’s Health Month in June, Tenet’s Palm Beach Health Network hospitals aim to raise awareness of preventable health problems, and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases that are more prevalent in the male population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men die at higher rates than women from 9 of the top 10 causes of death, including heart disease, cancer and accidents caused by traumas. Many men may be less likely to seek care or check-ups they would normally have at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With five hospitals across Palm Beach County, and award-winning programs for treatment of stroke, heart conditions, cancer and orthopedics, now more than ever, it is important to not delay care and focus on the importance of treatment and early diagnosis of chronic and new conditions that may have developed over the course of the last few months.

“Men’s Health Month in June is a great time to remind all of the men in our community to make an appointment this month for a screening or check-up they may have missed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Maggie Gill, chief executive officer of the Palm Beach Health Network. “The benefits of an early diagnosis can greatly outweigh any risks, and we have implemented protocols to ensure our hospitals and outpatient centers are safe. We are ready to care for patients who have chronic and new illnesses that require immediate medical attention through completely separate pathways from COVID positive patients.”

The Palm Beach Health Network hospitals are comprised of Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center. While these hospitals have saved many lives due to their talented cardiac, neuroscience, trauma and oncology teams, and access to some of the most advanced diagnostic and interventional technology available, one of the most important factors in positive medical outcomes is recognizing the warning signs and getting treatment as quickly as possible.

“Men can be more likely to ignore warning signs of things like strokes and heart attacks, and we are seeing patients come in who are waiting too long to seek care,” said Dr. Eric Lieberman, regional medical director of cardiology for the Palm Beach Health Network. “Patient outcomes improve with early intervention, so I encourage all of the men in our community, and the family members who love them, to catch up on check-ups and screenings.”