Men: Here's why you need a physical

You're a guy in the prime of your life. You feel fine. You’re busy. Why bother getting a health check?

Short answer: It’s just a smart play. Longer answer: Many health issues that could impact you as an older man can be prevented by taking steps when you’re younger. An annual physical is a perfect way to get started.

Annual exam insights

There isn’t one answer to when to start getting an annual exam. Men in their 20s and 30s who have a family history of disease or unexplained symptoms may start earlier than others in their age group. By their 40s, most men should be meeting with a doctor each year to ensure they’re staying up to date on recommended health screenings.

At any age, think of a yearly physical as an investment in yourself because it includes preventive screenings to help keep you feeling good. Men can get tested for common conditions, including:

• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Prostate and testicular cancer

Even if results show an “all clear,” your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and other readings recorded in your exam can be helpful later as a baseline to measure any changes. You can also learn to monitor your vital signs and get help when things don’t look or feel right.

More reasons for checkups

Here are three other benefits that come with an annual exam:

1. You can design a plan for a healthy lifestyle. Many illnesses that lead to sickness or death in men develop from things like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Your doctor can help you prevent these diseases by establishing a healthy, sustainable approach to eating and a plan for staying active.
2. You can assess your mental health. How you’re feeling may be tied to what you’re thinking. During an annual exam, you and your doctor can discuss things like stress, anxiety and feelings of depression. If you need mental health help, your doctor can recommend next steps.
3. You can get or schedule any recommended vaccinations. Adults need to keep their vaccinations current because immunity from childhood shots can wear off. You're also at risk for viruses as an adult, including influenza, COVID and RSV.

The trust factor

If you build a relationship with your doctor, you may find it easier to bring up personal concerns that surface between visits. Issues surrounding weight, mental health and sexual function may be easier to tackle with someone you know — and who has real insight into your health history.

Get started: If you don't have a primary care provider, ask your friends or family members for recommendations or search for providers near you. If you don't click with your first provider, it's OK to find another.

The bottom line: Get proactive. Find a partner for your health journey. You’ve got nothing to lose and much to gain, including improved health and peace of mind.