MARINE CORPS CAMP PENDLTON, Calif. -- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton hopes to reach out to male Marines, sailors and Department of Defense civilians by teaching them a little more about health concerns that can specifically affect them.

NHCP offers a men’s health class every month that explains health issues that can affect men at any age.

“Typically, most men refuse to see a doctor unless there is something really wrong with them,” said Julius Phillips, public health educator, NHCP. “That is not a good thing because there is a lot of information that men need to know that can prevent certain complications later in life.”

Major health concerns among men that can shorten their lives include heart disease; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; prostate cancer; colon cancer; and obesity. Other health concerns can include reproductive health and mental health.

At the class, the attendees receive a booklet covering topics ranging from nutrition, to physical information, to what a man needs to do to stay in good health at different ages, he explained.

“We give the men who attend resources concerning their health and they leave well equipped,” Phillips added.

The two-hour men’s health class is offered once a month for 10 men per class at NHCP.

Phillips explained the class is not offered as often as the women’s health class, because most men are uncomfortable learning about male-specific health. However, as the class becomes more in demand, the larger and more frequent the classes will be.

“The class isn’t a traditional class, it’s more of a discussion between men of all ages,” Phillips added.

The course goes over various topics from cholesterol, blood pressure, prostate and colon health, erectile dysfunction, sexual health and marriage, cancer, hair loss and physicals.

Men gain more knowledge in the symptoms and prevention of those problems, and will be able to know what to expect, he said.

“The class is a man-to-man open forum that benefits men of all ages,” Phillips said.

The class mostly attracts men over 40, but Phillips urges any man who is over 18 to take the class.

Most Marines and sailors are in their 20’s and do not know that is when they should start checking for testicular cancer monthly, Phillips explained.

According to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer for young men, even if there is no history of cancer in the family. It is one of the most treatable forms of cancers, if caught early. Otherwise, if not treated, it can spread and lead to death.

“Learning about your health can only be beneficial,” he said. “Most men think they’ll be healthy until they’re older but that is not always the case. Every male benefits from taking the class.”