Health Tips for Men

Men’s Health Month is typically observed in June, but Covenant Health cares about men’s health year-round. Any time is a perfect time for men to consider their next checkup.

“But I’m not sick.” That’s a common response from many men who only visit a doctor if they have an injury or illness. However, experts recommend getting checked out even when you are well.

Robert Wilson, MD, primary care physician with Roane County Family Practice and Covenant Medical Group, offers advice and reasons why men should schedule a wellness visit or get established with a family doctor or internal medicine specialist.

Tips for Men’s Health

Prevention is Key – Including Your Mental Health

Health screenings are important. They can help detect risk factors, early signs of cancer, and other issues. Men’s health screenings might involve a skin screening, a colonoscopy, a PSA blood test, or include a referral to another specialist.

“It’s much easier to treat cancer, diabetes or high blood pressure in the early stages before any organ or tissue damage occurs,” Dr. Wilson said. “The purpose of a wellness check is to take preventive steps for physical health and to check-in on your mental health. We see a lot of depression, stress and anxiety these days. and the hardest part of treating depression is getting people to talk about it. Your primary care provider is a great place to start.”

Assess and Address Your Quality of Life

Men often visit their doctors when acute illnesses or injuries occur. But primary care doctors also assess and address lifestyle factors that may be affecting your quality of life, both positively and negatively. Talk with your primary care physician about diet and exercise habits, tobacco and alcohol use, or minor aches and pains that may deep you from enjoying your best life.

Don’t be Afraid of Screening Results

Dr. Wilson understands that many people avoid a doctor because they fear bad news regarding their health. He emphasizes that early detection of health issues is important. For example, cancer screenings such as colonoscopies may keep you from developing colorectal cancer. “If someone has a polyp removed at age 45, that could save them from developing cancer at a later age.”

Dr. Wilson emphasizes that primary care physicians can also find additional resources for whatever issues men are facing. “Wellness exams are for identifying warning signs that may indicate the need for a test or intervention to improve your quality of life, both now and down the road.”

Wellness exams for men’s health may include an annual physical. You’ll have a chance to ask questions about anything that’s bothering you, and discover your risks for any conditions or diseases. You can also stay up to date on immunizations for pneumonia, shingles, flu, and RSV.

When it comes to staying healthy, Dr. Wilson says, “Not smoking or quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. Smoking cigarettes and use of other tobacco products increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and lung cancer.” For those who do smoke, a low-dose CT scan may help detect lung cancer before any symptoms arise. “This screening is just one of many that can save your life,” he says.

Covenant Health’s primary care physicians offer a wide range of preventive and diagnostic services throughout East Tennessee for patients of all ages. Let us help you find the primary care physician who’s right for your needs.