Why Many Men Skip Their Annual Physicals and Why They Shouldn't
A long-time fact in healthcare: Men are significantly less likely than women to visit a doctor, especially for preventative care.
At Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven, we see this frequently at our multiple offices throughout Connecticut. Often, men only seek help when a symptom becomes too painful to ignore. However, waiting until a problem is obvious can make treatment much more difficult.
Statistics validate the gender health gap
Overall, women account for 65.2% of all health center visits in the US, compared to just 34.8% for men, according to a recent study.
Annual physicals are even less popular among men, with another survey reporting that that 72% of American men would rather do household chores, such as cleaning toilets, than go to the doctor.
Their rationale: Some men feel they're too busy or believe that if they feel fine, they must be healthy. Others avoid the doctor because they fear receiving bad news.
Our medical team understands these concerns. We aim to make your annual physical a straightforward, stress-free experience that focuses on keeping you active and healthy rather than just looking for problems.
Why screening matters for long-term health
Among the many risks of skipping your physical is that many serious conditions don't have early symptoms. These include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Certain cancers (like colorectal).
Routine screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol should start in early adulthood. A simple blood test or blood pressure check can identify heart disease risks long before a heart attack occurs. When our specialists catch these issues early, we can often manage them with simple lifestyle changes rather than heavy medication.
By visiting our experts for an annual exam, you get a baseline for your health. We check your heart, lungs, and metabolic function to ensure everything is working correctly. These visits also allow you to discuss concerns like low energy, joint pain, or mental health in a private, professional setting.
Book your visit
Whether you're an athlete, student, or busy professional, preventive healthcare is essential. Taking an hour out of your year for a physical is a small investment that pays off in years of better health. If you or a man in your life is overdue for a physical, contact Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven and book one today. We have 11 offices throughout Connecticut.
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