Many men avoid regular health checkups, often ignoring symptoms or postponing doctor visits until urged by family members. This pattern contributes to delayed diagnosis of serious conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, which often show no symptoms in early stages.
June marks National Men’s Health Month, a reminder for men to prioritize their health by scheduling yearly physical exams and making healthy lifestyle choices.
According to Ben Guth, an advanced practice nurse with OSF HealthCare, men often delay medical care due to busy schedules, a mindset of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” or simply not feeling unwell.
However, Guth emphasizes that early screenings are crucial for catching health issues before they become severe. Physical exams typically include blood work and screenings for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and certain cancers.
For example, prostate cancer screening usually begins around age 50 but may start earlier depending on risk factors. Colon cancer screening starts at age 45. Regular self-exams for testicular cancer are also vital since early detection greatly improves treatment success.
Stress, another common health challenge for men, can lead to serious problems like heart disease and depression if left unmanaged. Guth recommends healthy stress relief methods such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. Counseling can also be beneficial when stress becomes overwhelming.
Despite challenges like long work hours, men are encouraged to make time for health checkups and lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol. Guth stresses the importance of having a primary care provider to maintain overall well-being and peace of mind, enabling men to be active and present for their families.
