Hendrick Health encourages men to make health a priority

A health gap exists between men and women, with men putting off regular checkups and medical care more often than women, according to the National Institutes of Health.

June is designated as Men’s Health Awareness Month to encourage husbands, fathers, brothers and sons to be proactive about regular checkups and preventive care. Also important is seeking care at the first sign of a medical issue because early invention often yields better outcomes.

The best time to see a physician or other healthcare provider is for a yearly wellness exam. The provider can identify medical issues before they escalate and recommend individual healthy lifestyle choices to prevent other conditions based on screenings, family history and medical history.

While prostate and testicular cancer are risks to men only, incident rates for some other serious diseases are higher in men than women. Examples include heart disease, hypertension and colorectal cancer. Treating and managing these conditions often is more effective when detected earlier.

To find a primary care physician, visit hendrickhealth.org.

For more information about men’s health topics, visit our health education library.