About one-third of men in the United States think they don’t need annual physicals. Nearly twice as many believe that they’re healthier than average, even though it’s statistically impossible.
This thinking comes at a time when type 2 diabetes and obesity are at epidemic proportions, and over half of all adult men have high blood pressure or are on medication to control it. Cancer and heart disease continue to be the leading causes of death.
At Macomb Medical Clinic in Sterling Heights, Michigan, we take preventive medicine seriously. If you’re behind on your annual physical routine, now is the time to catch up, so book an annual wellness exam with us now.
The Superman complex is a real thing. Unfortunately, this way of thinking is a weakness and overemphasizes self-reliance. Many men believe that going to the doctor — for any reason — is seen as being vulnerable.
Cultural influences play a role in which men feel the need to provide and prove their invincibility. They simply don’t feel they can afford downtime for illness, or they will downplay or ignore signs and symptoms.
Unfortunately, men aren’t any healthier than the general population, and they have unique health concerns that can benefit from preventive care and condition management.
Here’s why men need to have an annual wellness exam:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the country for both men. In fact, CVD claims a life every 34 seconds.
The leading risk factors for CVD, including high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, typically show no symptoms. The first sign of a problem can be serious, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Your annual physical provides fundamental information for managing your risk of life-threatening CVD issues that pose a threat to your life and lifestyle.
The most common cancer for men is skin cancer, affecting one of every five people in the country. We include skin cancer screening as part of your annual wellness exam to catch skin cancers before they become more challenging to treat.
Next to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of the disease among men. One out of every eight men in the US gets diagnosed with cancer of the prostate. The sooner you’re diagnosed, the more likely you are to survive.
You have about a 50/50 chance of missing out on erectile dysfunction. That’s right, 52% of men experience ED at some point in their lives. Annual physicals help to keep your sexual life on track.
Men are twice as likely as women to experience liver diseases like cirrhosis. Generally, alcohol consumption is higher for men. During your annual physical, we’ll review your drinking habits and monitor for early signs of liver problems.
There are many more reasons to protect your health with annual physicals. The time to catch up is now, so contact Macomb Medical Clinic at 586-315-2393 to book your next physical now.
