What Every Man Should Know About His Health
Did you know that about 1 in 7 men in the U.S. say their health is only fair or poor? You do not have to be one of them.
The truth is that many men wait too long to see a doctor. Some go years without a checkup. And by the time something feels wrong, it has often been building for a while.
The good news? Small steps can make a big difference.
Why checkups matter
You do not have to feel sick to see a doctor. That is actually the point of a checkup, to catch things before they become a problem.
A regular checkup can help find:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Signs of heart disease
- Mental health concerns
Many of these conditions have no symptoms at first. A simple checkup can catch them early, when they are easier to manage.
What happens at a checkup?
A basic checkup usually includes:
- A review of how you have been feeling
- Blood pressure, height, and weight check
- Blood work to check cholesterol and blood sugar
- Cancer screenings based on your age, like colon and prostate cancer checks
- A review of any vaccines you may be due for
- A conversation about your lifestyle and any concerns you have
It does not take long. And it gives you and your doctor a clear picture of where your health stands.
Simple things you can do right now
You do not have to change everything at once. Start with one or two of these:
- Schedule a checkup. If you have not seen a doctor in over a year, now is the perfect time.
- Move a little more. Even a short walk every day helps your heart and your mood. Your phone or watch can help you track your steps.
- Watch what you drink. Cutting back on sugary drinks and alcohol makes a real difference.
- Talk about how you feel. Mental health is part of your health. It is okay to ask for help.
- Get enough sleep. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours a night.
You do not have to do this alone
Community Health Choice is here to help you take care of your health. Not just when something goes wrong, but every step of the way.
If you are not sure where to start, talking to your doctor is the best first step.
Need help finding a doctor?
If you do not have a doctor or need help finding one, we are here to help. Call us today. Or find a provider in your area:
CHIP/STAR Members: 713.295.2294 or 1.888.760.2600 (TTY 7-1-1)
STAR+PLUS Members: 713.295.2300 or 1.888.435.2850 (TTY 7-1-1)
Marketplace Members: 713.295.6704 or 1.855.315.5386 (TTY 7-1-1)
Medicare (D-SNP) Members: 713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306 (TTY 7-1-1)