Take charge of your health, men

I’m excited to share my first installment of “Medical Minutes with Dr. Tom,” where we tackle everyday health topics that matter most. As a family physician, my guiding principle is prevention – helping patients focus on cost-effective ways to lower their risk of disease before trouble begins.

Many people schedule appointments for a “full physical” hoping a routine exam will uncover hidden issues. However, my challenge is to steer the conversation toward the right preventive measures, since an exam alone may not always reveal underlying conditions.

Let’s use cardiovascular disease as an example. Hypertension, often dubbed the “silent killer,” rarely presents obvious symptoms but can silently harm organs for years. Alongside diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity, hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks.

I witnessed this firsthand with my own father, who, despite being a devoted parent of 10 children and a retired Army officer, neglected to prioritize his health. He briefly mentioned chest pain to my mother, intending to see a doctor later. Tragically, he passed away from a heart attack in 1993 at just 61 years old. If he had sought care sooner, a simple treadmill test might have detected a problem.

I share this not to frighten anyone, but to highlight a common tendency among men to brush off symptoms or say seeing a provider is unnecessary. This delay can have serious – even fatal – consequences.

So, what can men do to protect their health? The best step is to establish care with a primary provider who can help tailor a prevention plan. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, men older than 50 should see their provider annually, while those younger than 49 without chronic conditions should schedule visits every three years.

While we can’t cover every preventive service here, expect your provider to discuss cardiovascular health, including hypertension, cholesterol and obesity; cancer screening, including colorectal, lung and prostate cancer; cancer prevention strategies, especially tobacco cessation; and immunizations.

Screening tests for men may include lab work, EKGs, imaging, treadmill tests, sleep studies and colonoscopies. Your provider will help determine which tests are most appropriate for you. Think of this as a collaborative, patient-centered process that empowers your health decisions.

What action can you take today? Start by improving your diet: Choose more fish and chicken, increase fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and limit alcohol. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, mixing cardiovascular and strength training for balance and core strength.

If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Get enough sleep, and if your partner notices you snore or stop breathing at night, ask your provider about sleep apnea.

Also, don’t overlook your mental health, as it is a crucial part of overall wellness. Remember, men often set the tone for their households. Leading by example and scheduling a checkup with a licensed provider is one of the most important choices you can make – not just for yourself, but for your family.

Let’s make prevention a priority, starting today.

Dr. Thomas Rogers is vice president and chief medical officer of Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital. He is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army, where he held numerous positions during a 29-year career, including director of the DiLorenzo Pentagon Health Clinic in Washington. He was raised in North Canton and is a lifelong Cleveland sports fan.