It may be easy to put off your annual physical exam and say, “I’m too busy and feel fine, so I’ll just do it next year.” But you may find yourself making the same excuse next year and the year after. All of a sudden, it’s been several years since your last physical, and you have no recent baseline for your physical health. You shouldn’t delay, and here are five reasons why men should get an annual physical.
Reason #1 – Doctors Can Catch Problems Early
One reason why men don’t go in for physicals is that they are afraid their doctors will find something wrong with them. Even if that ends up being the case, one of the things you can expect at a men’s physical is your doctor catching health problems when they are in their early stages so that they are more successful in treating these conditions.
The earlier a doctor can spot issues like testicular or prostate cancer, for instance, the better your odds for a successful outcome.
Reason #2 – Doctors Can Give Health Advice
Another of the reasons why men should get an annual physical is that it allows the doctor to advise them. When your physician has your medical history, they can guide you in helping you achieve your health goals so that you live longer and feel better.
If your blood pressure is creeping up, or your testosterone levels are starting to dip, or any number of other conditions, your doctor can provide professional medical advice and resources to fix these problems before they spiral out of control.
Reason #3 – Doctors Can Answer Your Health Questions
A trip to the doctor for a physical also presents an excellent opportunity for you to ask any medical questions you have lingering in your mind. If you have had any pains or feelings that may indicate a major health issue, why not go to your doctor, and see what they say? If it is nothing, you’ll get peace of mind.
Reason #4 – Doctors Can Review Your Medications
When you go in for a physical, you will give the doctor a list of medications you are taking. The physician can review that list and see if there are any that you no longer need to take. They also can check your prescriptions and see if one conflicts with another or if there is a better alternative.
Reason #5 – Doctors Can Identify Risk Factors
A physical also allows your doctor to identify risk factors that may hurt your health. In the past, doctors may not have noticed these issues, but since then, they may have grown to a stage where they are a major threat to you and your wellness. Your doctor can advise you on the next steps. As you get older, these risk factors become more important in determining your overall health level.
These reasons should convince you that an annual physical is critical to maintaining good health. Even if the doctor finds nothing, you’ll still be able to get the advice that you need to continue staying healthy and issue-free.