Men’s Health Matters: Bridging the Prevention Gap

by Kristy Como Armand

When it comes to their health, many men still embrace the mindset that if nothing feels wrong, there’s no reason to see a doctor. Unfortunately, that approach often allows preventable health issues to go undetected until they become much more serious.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men in the United States continue to die at higher rates than women from the leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke. Men also continue to have a shorter average life expectancy than women (5 to 6 years shorter), due in part to delayed medical care and lower participation in preventive screenings.

“Men are still much less likely than women to seek routine preventive care,” says Dr. Brenton Smith, family medicine physician with Imperial Health. “Many men wait until symptoms interfere with their daily lives before they make an appointment, but by then, we’re often dealing with a more advanced condition that could have been managed much earlier.”

Routine preventive care plays a critical role in identifying health risks before they become major problems, and Dr. Smith says this is true for men and women. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and even some cancers may develop with few or no symptoms in the early stages.

The American Heart Association estimates that nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Yet many people are unaware they have it. Similarly, the American Cancer Society continues to recommend regular colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults, as rates of colorectal cancer among younger adults have increased in recent years.

Dr. Smith says annual wellness exams are one of the simplest and most effective ways for men to take control of their health.

 “These visits are not just about treating illness,” he explains. “They help us establish a baseline for your health, identify risk factors early and create a plan to prevent future problems.”

Current health screening recommendations for men include:

• Blood pressure screening beginning at age 18

• Cholesterol screening starting in early 

adulthood, typically around age 20

• Diabetes screening beginning at age 35

• Colon cancer screening beginning at age 45

• Prostate cancer discussions beginning around 

age 50, or earlier for higher-risk patients

• Routine skin checks and wellness exams 

throughout adulthood

“These are general guidelines that your doctor may adjust, based on your specific risk factors, symptoms and family history,” adds Dr. Smith. “That’s just one more reason for having regular wellness exams—so we’ll know if we need to be more alert at an earlier age for certain conditions.”

Lifestyle also plays a major role in long-term health. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress and prioritizing sleep all contribute to reducing the risk of chronic disease.

Dr. Smith encourages men to approach preventive health the same way they would maintain any important investment. “Most men wouldn’t ignore routine maintenance on their vehicle or home,” he says. “Your health deserves the same level of attention. The small steps you take now can make a tremendous difference in your quality of life later.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith, 

call 337-433-1212.