Men's Health: Why Prioritizing Your Health Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
- Wickersham Group
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Men are less likely than women to schedule routine checkups, seek care for symptoms, or talk openly about their health. It's a pattern that has real consequences. Many serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, are far more manageable when caught early. Yet too often, men wait until something is seriously wrong before seeing a provider.
Prioritizing your health isn't a sign of weakness. It's one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your family, and everyone who counts on you.
According to Megan Adamson, MD, MHS, Chief Medical Officer, "Even though going to the doctor can be a hassle to fit into a busy schedule, periodic check-ups are an important investment in your health."
The Numbers Don't Lie
On average, men in the United States live about five years fewer than women. Much of this gap is driven by preventable conditions and delayed care. The leading causes of death among men include heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries, many of which are preventable or treatable when identified early.
Routine screenings and annual checkups exist for a reason. They give your provider a baseline and help catch problems before they become serious.
Teens and young men:
Mental health screenings
Risky substance use screenings
Sexually transmitted infection screenings
Blood pressure checks
Regular sunscreen use to prevent skin cancers
Starting at age 35:
Diabetes screening if overweight (BMI >25)
Ages 45–75:
Colon cancer screening starting at age 45
Lung cancer screening starting at age 50 if history of daily smoking
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening once at age 65 if any history of smoking
Key Numbers Every Man Should Know
Understanding your health metrics is one of the most proactive things you can do:
Blood Pressure: High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. A normal blood pressure is under 120/80. Treatment is recommended when your blood pressure is 130/80 or higher.
Cholesterol: Elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Total cholesterol should be under 200.
Blood Sugar: Prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes are common in men and often go undiagnosed. Fasting blood sugar should be between 70 and 100.
BMI and Waist Circumference: Excess weight, especially around the midsection, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Conditions Men Should Not Ignore
Several conditions disproportionately affect men or are underdiagnosed in men because symptoms are dismissed or minimized:
Colon Cancer: Men aged 50-74 are about 30% more likely to be diagnosed and 44% more likely to die from colon cancer than women. Early-onset colon cancer is becoming more common, so it is now recommended for everyone to start screening at age 45.
Heart Disease: The leading cause of death in men. Warning signs like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue should never be brushed off.
Prostate Health: Prostate cancer screening is not a routine recommendation and carries some potential risks. However, men with a family history of prostate cancer, or those experiencing symptoms such as blood in the urine or semen, frequent or urgent urination, or a weak or difficult urine stream, should speak with their doctor.
Mental Health: Depression and anxiety affect men significantly but are often underreported. Men may experience symptoms differently, including irritability, withdrawal, or increased risk-taking.
Testicular Health: Teens and young men should do monthly self-exams to be aware of changes and discuss concerns with their provider. A painless testicular mass can be concerning for testicular cancer.
Sleep Apnea: More common in men and often undiagnosed. Poor sleep quality affects heart health, mood, and overall function.
"Excessive fatigue can signal sleep apnea, depression, or other underlying health problems. Urinary symptoms such as frequency or blood in the urine may point to infection, diabetes, or kidney issues. Sudden, unexpected weight loss or gain should never be ignored, as it can be a sign of a serious health condition worth discussing with your doctor." — Megan Adamson, MD, MHS
Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference
You don't need to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight. Small, consistent steps add up:
Move your body regularly, even a 20-30 minute walk most days has measurable benefits
Eat more whole foods and less processed food, sodium, and added sugar
Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco in all forms
Prioritize sleep, aim for 7 to 9 hours per night
Manage stress through exercise, social connection, and rest
Schedule your annual physical and actually show up for it
Make This the Year You Show Up for Yourself
Whether you are 25 or 65, it is never too early or too late to take your health seriously. Routine care, honest conversations with your provider, and manageable lifestyle changes can add years to your life and life to your years.
The people who need you most are counting on you to take care of yourself. Schedule that appointment.
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