Men’s Health: RiverView Health Providers offer lifelong care and prevention

Men are significantly less likely than women to seek routine medical care—about 67% less likely to visit a doctor regularly. On average, men also die nearly six years earlier than women. Because many men delay checkups, health conditions are often diagnosed at later, less treatable stages.

RiverView Health encourages area men to prioritize their health by scheduling routine checkups, staying current on recommended screenings—including prostate, testicular, and other urologic exams—and paying attention to their mental well-being. Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy, detect potential health concerns early, and, in some cases, prevent them altogether

“The easiest way to prolong life and keep healthcare costs affordable for everyone is to take steps to prevent illness whenever possible,’’ shared Dr. Israel Mostafa, Internal Medicine provider at RiverView Health. “Annual exams and a healthy lifestyle are two key preventive measures within your control.”

The Importance of a Primary Care Provider

One of the most important steps in managing your health is establishing care with a primary care provider (PCP). Even when you feel healthy, many conditions develop silently and show no symptoms until they become more serious. Regular checkups help identify these issues early, when they are most treatable.

RiverView Health offers a wide range of PCPs in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine. A PCP serves as your first point of contact for health concerns, providing routine care, answering questions, and coordinating referrals when specialist care is needed.

PCPs also help ensure continuity of care—reducing duplicate testing, coordinating information across providers, and connecting patients with helpful resources such as support groups or wellness programs.

Family Medicine providers care for patients of all ages, often supporting individuals and families across multiple generations.

Family Medicine providers:

 Lauren Rose, DO

 Ian Glidden, MD

 Erika Beckett, APRN

 Tia Gullickson, APRN

 Riley Hermreck, APRN

 Forrest LaPorte, APRN

 Natalie Royal, APRN

Internal Medicine providers focus on adult care, including disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term wellness.

Internal Medicine providers:

 Bosun Fashoro, MD

 Israel Mostafa, MD

 Comfort Olayioye (Ola), MD

Talk with your PCP about how often you should be seen and what screenings are appropriate for you, based on age, family history, and lifestyle.

A Little Help When Needed

The theme for Men’s Health Month is “Partners in Care—advancing men’s health through connection, education, and advocacy across the lifespan.”

Research shows that men are more likely to attend medical appointments when encouraged or assisted by a partner or family member. In many cases, a spouse or significant other plays a key role in helping schedule appointments and ensuring routine care is not delayed.

If you are concerned about the health of the men in your life—whether a partner, son, brother, or father—consider encouraging them to schedule a visit with a RiverView provider. Assistance with making an appointment can make a meaningful difference in long-term health outcomes.

RiverView Health offers primary care services in Crookston, Fertile, and Red Lake Falls. To schedule an appointment, call 218.281.9595.

Recommended Health Screenings for Men

Ages 18–39

 Blood pressure: At least every 3–5 years if normal; more often if elevated or you have risk factors.

 Cholesterol: Discuss screening with your provider, especially if you have risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease.

 Diabetes: Screening is recommended for adults ages 35–70 who are overweight or obese. Earlier screening may be appropriate if risk factors are present.

 Mental health: Screening for depression and anxiety is recommended in adults.

 Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Screening based on individual risk factors and sexual activity.

Ages 40–49

In addition to the above:

 Cholesterol and cardiovascular risk assessment: Regular monitoring becomes increasingly important.

 Diabetes screening: Recommended if overweight or obese.

 Colorectal cancer: Begin screening at age 45 for average-risk adults.

Ages 50–64

 Continue all previous screenings.

 Colorectal cancer: Continue regular screening through age 75.

 Prostate cancer: Men ages 55–69 should discuss the potential benefits and risks of PSA testing with their healthcare provider and make an individual decision about screening.

 Lung cancer: Annual low-dose CT scan for adults ages 50–80 with a significant smoking history who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

Ages 65+

 Continue blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and colorectal cancer screenings as recommended by your provider.

 Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): One-time ultrasound screening for men ages 65–75 who have ever smoked.

 Prostate cancer: Routine PSA screening is not recommended for men age 70 and older.

 Discuss fall prevention, vision, hearing, and vaccination needs with your provider.

At Every Age

 Stay up to date on vaccinations.

 Have regular dental exams.

 Discuss any concerns about mental health, sleep, alcohol use, tobacco use, diet, and exercise with your healthcare provider.

Tags: Dr. Israel Mostafa, Men's Health Month, news, Riverview Health