When it comes to business, most men wouldn’t dream of leaving things up to chance. You’d never coast through the year without a plan, avoid financial projections or skip your quarterly reviews. So why treat your health any differently?
Rick Sanders, MD, family medicine specialist at St. Francis Medical Group, suggests men treat their health with strategy and purpose, and it all starts with a comprehensive checkup with a primary care provider.
Dr. Sanders knows that many men don’t prioritize preventive care, often delaying doctor’s visits until symptoms become too severe to ignore. But that delay can be costly. Routine checkups and age-appropriate screenings are key to detecting health problems early, when they’re most treatable. And having an established relationship with a primary care provider makes those conversations easier, more honest and more effective over time.
Start the Conversation — Even If It’s Uncomfortable
The age-old trope that men need to toughen up and avoid showing weakness should be turned on its head when it comes to seeking healthcare.
According to a 2019 Cleveland Clinic survey, nearly half of men admitted to skipping their annual physical, even though 82% said they wanted to stay healthy for their families and careers. That reluctance to engage in preventive care contributes to men’s higher risk for conditions like heart disease, aortic aneurysms and certain cancers. It also plays a role in a sobering statistic: On average, men live five years less than women.
The good news? You don’t need to make massive changes overnight. You just need to start. One conversation with a doctor can lead to the right plan, the right screenings and the support to stick with it.
Sometimes such conversations can feel uncomfortable at first, but a provider’s job is to listen, offer solutions and investigate underlying causes for your concerns. You’re probably not the first person to bring something up, and St. Francis Health providers are here to help not to judge.
What Screenings Do Men Need, and When?
Knowing what to expect at your age can help you feel more prepared — and more likely to follow through. Dr. Sanders offers a few general guidelines based on age:
In Your 30s
Start thinking seriously about your cardiovascular health. If you have a family history of heart disease, it’s time to start monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol. You should also begin routine checkups every other year not just when something feels off.
In Your 40s
Make annual checkups a priority. This is also the age when cancer screenings start to come into play. In fact, the American Cancer Society now recommends beginning colorectal cancer screenings at age 45 due to an increase in cases among younger adults.
In Your 50s and Beyond
This is the time to discuss prostate and colon cancer screenings with your doctor, regardless of family history. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar is essential, and ongoing conversations about sleep, weight and sexual health can catch subtle changes before they become serious problems.
Why Sleep Matters More Than You Think
If you’re tossing and turning at night, you’re not alone. A big concern from many male patients is trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, and poor sleep can have serious impacts on overall health.
Lack of sleep isn’t just exhausting. It’s also linked to elevated blood pressure, depression, weight gain, decreased libido and even higher stress levels. In some cases, sleep issues can signal deeper problems such as sleep apnea or an enlarged prostate, both of which can keep you up at night and wreak havoc on your health.
Dr. Sanders offers steps you can take on your own to improve sleep hygiene:
- Stick to a routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Limit screen time. Shut off your phone and TV at least an hour before bed.
- Create a wind-down ritual. Meditation, breathing exercises or calming music can help.
- Avoid alcohol at bedtime. Despite popular belief, a nightcap disrupts sleep quality.
- Skip late-night snacks and caffeine. These can interfere with your body’s ability to wind down.
- Ask your doctor. If sleep remains elusive, it could be a sign of something more serious — and your primary care provider can help you find solutions, from behavioral changes to appropriate supplements like melatonin.
Your Health Is Worth the Investment
Many professionals devote more energy to their careers than to their health. But that approach carries long-term risks and ultimately undermines the very people and goals you’re working so hard for.
Too many men treat their health as an afterthought, but your health deserves as much attention and intention as any other part of life. Ready to take the first step? A relationship with a primary care provider is your foundation for better health — and for the honest, practical support you need to stay on track.
