Amidst the demands of work, family, and other responsibilities, it’s easy for us to neglect our health. However, maintaining good health should be a top priority for everyone. Regular checkups are an essential part of preventive healthcare for men as they provide an opportunity to detect potential health issues early and give more time to take necessary action to get your health on track should complications arise. Regular checkups are important for men’s health and this article highlights the positive impact these checkups can have on overall well-being.
Detect Potential Health Issues Early
Checkups offer a proactive approach to healthcare, enabling early detection and intervention for various health conditions. Several conditions, like cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and diabetes, often develop silently, showing little to no symptoms in their early stages.
By having routine checkups, men can undergo screenings and tests to facilitate early detection of these conditions before they progress further. Detecting health problems and certain conditions at an early stage can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and improved outcomes.
Take Preventive Measures to Maintain Good Health
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is an adage to which we hold true at Premier Medical Group. Seeing your doctor for regular checkups allows them the opportunity to assess your overall health and well-being. Healthcare professionals, like the experienced and compassionate care team at Premier Medical Group, can provide personalized guidance on adopting a healthy lifestyle, including advice on nutrition, exercise, stress management, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
By proactively addressing risk factors that commonly affect men as well as your own individual risk factors in addition to making positive lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing chronic conditions and maintain a higher quality of life long term.
Monitor Your Vital Health Indicators
Men’s health is influenced by various factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass index (BMI), and prostate health. Your doctor can monitor these vital health indicators and identify any abnormalities at your regularly scheduled checkup.
High blood pressure, for example, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. By regularly monitoring blood pressure, the appropriate interventions can be implemented to prevent complications and maintain overall cardiovascular health.
Prostate Health Checkups
Prostate health is a vital health indicator and a critical aspect of men’s well-being, particularly as they age. According to the American Cancer Society*, an estimated 288,300 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023. Prostate cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world and the most common cancer among men.**
Regular checkups are the best way to monitor prostate health as they provide an opportunity to monitor and evaluate the prostate through screenings such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal examinations. Early detection of prostate conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, allows for timely intervention and appropriate treatment options. Men should openly discuss any concerns they have about their prostate health or symptoms related to prostate health with their primary healthcare provider.
Colon Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that develops in the rectum or colon. Also called colon cancer for short, it affects both men and women and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colon cancer screening helps doctors identify precancerous or abnormal growth in the colon or rectum and remove them before they become cancerous.
Since risk for cancer increases as men age, it’s essential that colon cancer screening be included as part of your preventative care. To help reduce your risk, we recommend that men begin screening for colon cancer at age 45. Studies also suggest that a healthy diet, regular exercise and limiting alcohol consumption as well as avoiding smoking may reduce your risk for colon cancer****.
Men’s Mental Health Assessment
Men’s health encompasses not only physical well-being but also mental and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, men are often reluctant to seek help for mental health issues due to societal expectations and stigmas. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America reports that 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half seek and receive treatment.****
Meeting with your doctor for regular checkups offers you a safe and supportive environment to discuss mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, and other conditions. Your primary care provider can provide appropriate referrals or treatments to address these issues, ensuring that men receive the support they need to maintain optimal mental health.
Schedule An Appointment With Your Primary Care Provider
Take charge of your well-being and make informed decisions regarding men’s health by attending your regularly scheduled checkup appointments with your doctor. At Premier Medical Group, we provide comprehensive urology and men’s health services throughout the Hudson Valley. Schedule your next checkup today or establish care with one of our friendly and caring healthcare providers and take a proactive step toward a healthier future.
*https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
***https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/prevention.htm
****https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health