Men's health is vital for family health

While the health of their kids and spouses may be a priority to men, most aren't taking time to check in with their own health.

Men are less likely to schedule annual physicals than women and are more likely to wait to get help for a health concern until their condition has declined.

"We encourage men to be more invested in their health like they are other aspects of their lives," says Sowmya Srimanthula, M.D., an internal medicine physician at Sentara Halifax Family Medicine in South Boston, Va. "Nothing is more important to your family than your health."

A national survey conducted by Cleveland Clinic found:

• Almost half of men (44 percent) do not get a yearly physical
• 65 percent of men said they are hesitant to seek professional help for mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety and depression
• Only about half of American men have been screened for common cancers, including prostate, colorectal, skin, testicular and bladder

"Many men say they don't have the time to see a primary care provider, get screenings, address health concerns, exercise or eat healthily," Dr. Srimanthula says. "In reality, by taking this approach, they are potentially causing damage to their health and creating a situation that could have negative consequences for their families."

Importance of primary care

A primary care physician (PCP) is a health care professional who practices general medicine. PCPs are the first stop for medical care. They provide preventative care, diagnose and treat many acute conditions and manage ongoing chronic conditions. A PCP will refer people to more specialized physicians for care if necessary.

"Generally, you will see a PCP once a year at a minimum, and that is for an annual physical, preventative care and routine labs," Dr. Srimanthula explains. "To see your provider for illnesses or concerns throughout the year, you must keep your annual physical appointments. We will need to be up to date with your health."

If you have ongoing chronic conditions, you will need to see your PCP more often.

Men's health screenings

Depending on your age, your primary care provider will recommend the following screenings, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force:

• Blood pressure – If the top number is 130 mm Hg or greater or the bottom number is 80 mm Hg or greater, this is considered stage 1 hypertension. Schedule an appointment with your provider to learn how to lower your blood pressure.
• Cholesterol – This screening should begin at age 35 for men with no known risk factors for coronary heart disease.
• Colorectal cancer – If you are age 45 to 75, you should be screened for colorectal cancer. If you are under age 45, talk to your provider about getting screened, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Diabetes – All adults who do not have risk factors for diabetes should be screened starting at age 35 and repeated every three years.
• Eye exam – Every two to four years for men 40 to 54 and every one to three years for ages 55 to 64. Your provider may recommend more frequent eye exams if you have vision problems or glaucoma risk.
• Prostate – Talk to your provider about when you should start screening for prostate cancer. This can vary depending on family history and risk.

Immunizations

Commonly needed vaccines include:

• Flu shot – Once a year
• COVID-19 vaccine – Ask your provider what is best for you
• Tetanus-diphtheria (Tdap) vaccine or booster – You will need this If you did not receive it as an adolescent. A booster is required every 10 years.
• Varicella vaccine – Two doses if you never had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine and were born in 1980 or after
• Hepatitis B – Two to four doses, depending on your circumstances or if you did not receive these as a child or adolescent until age 59
• Shingles (herpes zoster) – At or after age 50

If you do not already have a PCP, we encourage you to find one and make an appointment.