Men are less likely to go to the doctor for routine checkups and screenings than women. This can mean health issues are found later, when they may be harder to treat.
It’s easy to put your own health on the back burner. Work, family, and daily life can seem like higher priorities…especially if you’re feeling fine.
But many health conditions don’t have clear symptoms at first. Taking time to get your health checked can help your doctor catch potential issues earlier so you can stay healthier over time.
Start with the basics
Some of the most common health risks for men are also some of the most preventable. Heart disease and cancer remain leading causes of death, and conditions like high blood pressure and obesity affect a large percentage of men.
The good news is that small, regular steps can make a big difference. These include:
- Getting routine checkups
- Monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol
- Staying active and eating balanced meals
During a routine checkup, your provider may also look at things like:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Blood sugar (for diabetes)
If it’s been a while since your last visit, schedule a checkup and start the conversation.
Understanding prostate health
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. But different screening strategies may be appropriate depending on your age, risk factors, and personal health history.
For many men, screening starts with a simple blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Experts say that men ages 55 to 69 should talk with their doctor about whether this screening is right for them.
That’s because screening has both benefits and potential risks. It can help find cancer early. But it can also lead to “false positives,” where there are signs that cancer may be present even when it’s not. And even if someone does have prostate cancer, some kinds grow so slowly that they may never cause any problems.
Screening decisions are personal. Your doctor may consider:
- Your age
- Your family history
- Your overall health
Some men may benefit from starting these conversations earlier — especially if they have a family history of prostate cancer or are part of a higher-risk group. For example, Black men are at higher risk for being diagnosed with and dying from prostate cancer, which makes early and informed decision-making especially important.
What’s changing in prostate care
Prostate care is evolving. Doctors today may use additional tools — like MRI — to better understand PSA test results and guide next steps. These approaches can help doctors focus care on cancers that need treatment while avoiding unnecessary procedures.
Don’t overlook your mental health
Health isn’t just physical. Mental health plays a big role in how you feel day to day.
Men are less likely than women to seek treatment for mental health concerns, even if they’re struggling. Over time, untreated mental health problems can affect a person’s sleep, energy, focus, and even physical health.
Mental health symptoms don’t always look the same for everyone. In men, they may show up as:
- Irritability or anger
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling restless or on edge
If something feels “off,” you don’t have to manage it alone. Talking with a doctor, counselor, or someone you trust can be a good first step.
AmeriHealth members can contact our Behavioral Health Care Navigation team. These trained professionals can:
- Listen to your needs
- Explain your treatment options
- Match you with the right in-network provider
- Directly schedule an appointment for you — often within 1 to 2 days
To get started, call 1-800-809-9954 (TTY/TDD: 711), Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Make preventive care part of your routine
One of the most important things you can do for your health is see your primary care provider regularly and discuss what preventive screenings may be right for you — like checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and certain cancers such as colon cancer.
Even if you feel fine, a yearly visit can help catch changes early — often before symptoms start. It’s also a chance to ask questions, talk through concerns, and stay on track with screenings and vaccines.
“Prevention means not delaying care — which includes key screenings for blood pressure, colon cancer, prostate health, and diabetes,” says AmeriHealth Medical Director Donna B. Raziano, MD, MBA, FACP, AGSF. “This also includes confirming goals with your primary care provider (PCP) for a healthy weight and sleep to maximize your physical and mental health.”
If you don’t have a regular PCP, finding one is a great first step. Visit amerihealth.com to find an in-network doctor.
Where to begin
If you’ve decided to take a more active role in your health, you don’t need to change everything overnight.
A good place to start: Schedule a yearly checkup with your PCP.
Taking time for your health today can help you feel better, stay active, and be there for the people who count on you.
