- A Cleveland Clinic survey found that only 50% of men consider annual checkups from their doctor as a way to care for themselves. And 65% wait as long as possible before going to the doctor with health symptoms or an injury.
- Your health isn’t something to take for granted. If you aren’t feeling like yourself, you need to get to a doctor. And it’s important that you see your Primary Care Provider (PCP) regularly for preventive care, even if you feel healthy.
- “Prevention and early detection are keys to a healthy life,” said Dr. Lama El Zein, medical director for population health and quality at EmblemHealth*. “Checkups and routine screenings can uncover health problems early, when they’re easier to treat.”
What to expect at a checkup
- Your doctor will want to hear about your health history and any problems or concerns you have. They will ask about your lifestyle, including exercise and diet. Screenings may include:
Blood pressure and cholesterol: Important for early detection of heart disease, the leading cause of death for men in the U.S.
Colorectal cancer (ages 45+): Can be prevented in many cases through regular screenings such as a stool test or colonoscopy.
Diabetes: Early detection means more time for steps to be healthier, like making changes to your diet, exercising more, or taking medicine.
Behavioral health (including depression and anxiety): These are more common than you may think. And they may be treatable.
Obesity screening: Calculating body mass index (BMI) using height and weight can help your doctor diagnose obesity early and develop a plan for healthy eating and exercise.
Prostate cancer: If you are under 70, ask your doctor if they recommend a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening to check for prostate cancer.
Vaccination review: Your doctor may recommend vaccines based on your age, medical history, and current health concerns. These may include immunizations for the flu, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and more.
Screening for sexually transmitted diseases: Your doctor can discuss your risk and any tests needed, depending on your situation.
- There may be other screenings you need, too, based on your age, health history, and risk factors. “Don’t worry – many screenings tests are quick and easy to do right in your doctor’s office,” said Dr. El Zein. Talk to your doctor about which are right for you.
Don’t skip preventive care
- Many important screenings (like an annual checkup) and immunizations (like the seasonal flu vaccine) are offered by your PCP. Don’t have a PCP? Find one near you at one of our medical offices throughout New York City and Long Island.
* AdvantageCare Physicians is part of the Emblemhealth Family of Companies.
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Some men tend to keep quiet when it comes to medical concerns. But regular preventive care can help find issues sooner and give men more control over their health.
