For a lot of guys, having a good looking and well running car is a must. From polished interiors , to souped up engines, there is no limit to what some men will do for their cars.
Unfortunately, a lot of men maintain their cars better than their own health.
As a healthcare provider, one of the most common question I get from men is whether or not they need to have regular physical exams. After all...if you’re not having any symptoms, why do you need a check up?
Let’s take a look at three reasons why every man needs a physical exam.
1. Early detection and screening
The most important reason to get a physical exam is because it’s a great way to screen for disease. Unlike an injury that happens suddenly, many chronic diseases like hypertension and cancer can slowly develop over time. The scary thing is that you could have one of these diseases without even knowing it.
For instance, it’s very common for people to have high blood pressure for many years without having any symptoms. Unfortunately, the only way they find out is after they develop symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or even chest pains.
2. you will learn more about yourself
Think of your body as a high performance machine, with many different parts.
In order to maintain good health, it’s important to have an understanding of your body, how it works, and how to identify any issues. These days, the internet is the first place that men go to for information about their health issues.
Although doing research is good, it can cause a lot of confusion. I can’t count how many patients I’ve treated who thought that they had a life threatening illness based on what they read online!
During a physical exam you have the opportunity to ask questions about your overall health, special tests, and any other health related questions.
3. You will gain peace of mind
Fear of the unknown is one of the most negative experiences a man can face. Even if you were healthy most of your life, we all know that health problems are an unavoidable part of being human. Besides keeping your health in check, regular physical exams can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re doing what’s necessary to maintain good health.
A simple way to stay consistent with your physical exams is to have one at least once a year.
You can randomly pick a day, but I recommend that you choose a day around your birthday, new years, or some other memorable event.
If you have a diagnosed condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s very important that you have more frequent physical exams throughout the year.
Conclusion
Regular physical exams are very important for your health. If you haven’t had one in a while, contact your health care provider and schedule a physical exam today.
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Aaron Henry PA-C
Men's Health Coach