Five Reasons Men Shouldn’t Skip Their Annual Physical

Avoiding the doctor may not seem like a big deal, but developing this habit can cause more harm than good in the long run. Keeping up with your health in and out of the office can detect and prevent life-threatening health problems early on.

Here’s why men’s health is so important!

Annual physical. Staying on track with one’s annual physical is one of the most crucial things men can do improve and monitor their overall health. It’s important to have the support of a knowledgeable health professional who is there to provide guidance for your health whether you’re experiencing symptoms or not. Annual physicals are a key method for addressing health problems while they’re small, to prevent them resulting in bigger complications in the future. 

Hypertension. High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, can come with little to no warning and is commonly seen in men under 64 years of age. It is often found that individuals with high blood pressure do not experience symptoms, making this condition even more severe. There are some individuals who undergo nosebleeds, shortness of breath, or headaches, but these are common symptoms that don’t directly point to hypertension and may not show up until high blood pressure reaches a more dangerous stage.

Obesity. According to the National Institutes of Health, 3 out of 4 American men are obese or overweight. Having health conditions such as obesity or being overweight can ultimately lead to worse health problems including high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, or death. Additionally, obesity can have negative effects on mental health and result in a lower quality of life. Diet and exercise play a key role in preventing these types of health conditions and can make an impact on an individual’s overall health.

Alcohol consumption. In one year's time, men who were 18 years of age and older consumed at least 5 or more  alcoholic beverages in a day. Binge drinking is also twice as likely with men than it is with women. Overdrinking affects more than just the person consuming alcohol, as it can put those surrounding them at an increased risk. This excessive pattern can result in serious long-term health problems such as leading to mental health conditions, cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and liver disease.

Mortality rate. To some, it may come as a surprise that on average, men don’t live as long as women. Many factors are associated with a shorter life expectancy in men include dying of heart disease more often than women, holding risky occupations, as well as having a higher suicide rate than women (if you or loved one is in need of mental health support, please click here to learn about counseling at Village Health Partners). 

Don’t put off your annual physical any longer. Are you ready to make your health a priority? Click here to partner a dedicated provider in Frisco, McKinney, or Plano, Texas today!