Taking care of your health is important, but many men don’t go to the doctor until something is seriously wrong. This can lead to big problems that are hard and expensive to fix. Regular check-ups and screenings can catch health issues early, making treatment easier and less costly. Early treatment is usually simpler and more convenient than waiting until symptoms get worse.
For middle-aged men living in rural areas like Southern Appalachia, it’s especially important to stay on top of your health. Regular visits to the doctor can help you avoid emergency care and keep you feeling your best. Let’s talk about why these check-ups matter and how they can make a big difference in your life.
Why are Regular Check-Ups Important?
Men are at a higher risk for certain diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Many men wait until they feel really sick before seeing a doctor. This can turn small problems into big emergencies.
Regular check-ups and screenings with a primary care provider can catch these issues early. When health problems are found early, they are easier to treat. This means less pain, less time off work, and lower medical bills. Preventative care can help you live a longer, healthier life.
For people living in rural areas it can be hard to find or get to a doctor. But making the effort is worth it. Regular visits can keep you healthy and help you avoid serious health problems. Taking care of your health now means you can enjoy more time with your family and do the things you love.
“When health problems are found early, they are easier to treat. This means less pain, less time off work, and lower medical bills.”
What is Included in Preventative Healthcare for Men?
Preventative healthcare is all about keeping you healthy and catching problems early. Here’s what you can expect at a regular check-up:
Blood Pressure Check:
High blood pressure can lead to heart problems. Keeping track of your blood pressure and any changes over time is important information for overall health.
Cholesterol Test:
High cholesterol can cause heart disease. Your doctor will check your “good” cholesterol (HDL) and your “bad” cholesterol (LDL).
Blood Sugar Test:
This checks for diabetes. Your doctor might ask you not to eat before you come in for your appointment for a more accurate test, this is called a “fasting” blood sugar test.
Weight Check:
Keeping a healthy weight is important for overall health. Large changes in body weight without trying can be a sign that there is a problem.
Cancer Screenings:
Tests for prostate, colon, and skin cancer are all normal screenings for adult men. Your doctor might suggest starting these screenings at a younger age if you have a family history of cancer, or other risk factors.
Vaccinations:
Staying up-to-date on shots that prevent diseases can keep you healthy, and help your symptoms stay less severe if you do get sick.
Mental Health:
Talking about stress, depression, or anxiety with your primary care doctor will let them give you good advice on how to handle hard situations or feelings. Your doctor might recommend trying a medicine to help, or give you a referral for a mental health provider that can provide advice based on your needs.
Lifestyle Advice:
Your primary care doctor can give you tips on diet, exercise, quitting smoking, or other lifestyle changes you are interested in making.
Regular check-ups are a chance to talk with your doctor about any concerns or worries you have. They can help you make a plan to stay healthy. If you have a worry about your health, but are not sure who to ask about it, having a conversation with your primary care doctor is a great place to start!
Why do Some Men Avoid Preventative Healthcare?
Many men face challenges when it comes to using preventative healthcare to stay well. For men in rural areas, these barriers can be even harder to overcome. Here are some common barriers:
- Stigma: Some men feel embarrassed or weak for going to the doctor. It’s important to remember that taking care of your health is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Finances: Healthcare can be expensive, and many worry about the cost. However, regular check-ups can save money in the long run by preventing serious health issues. If you or someone you know can’t get insurance to help pay for healthcare, The Community Care Clinic is here to help. We provide free healthcare to people without insurance. Anyone in the Western North Carolina or Eastern Tennessee area can use the clinic. Call the office at (828) 265-8591 for more information.
- Awareness: Some men don’t know what preventative care includes or why it’s important. Learning about the benefits can help you make better health choices. You can ask your doctor questions about what kind of preventative care you might need and why it is important for you at your first visit.
Taking steps to prioritize your health can lead to a longer, healthier life. Don’t let stigma, finances, or lack of awareness stop you from getting the care you need. Your health is worth it.
How Do I Use This Information?
Catching health problems early is important, especially for men in rural areas. At your check-up, your doctor will check multiple factors that can give them information about your health. Overcoming challenges like stigma, finances, and lack of awareness is worth the effort; taking care of your health shows strength and can save you money in the long run. Regular check-ups can help you stay healthy and enjoy life to the fullest.
There are many resources available to help you set up a preventative healthcare visit with a doctor. If you or someone you know in WNC or ETN does not have health insurance, contact The Community Care Clinic in Boone, NC to set up an appointment and start getting free healthcare.
The Community Care Clinic provides primary care services and has multiple specialty clinics available for patients, including Dermatology, Orthopedics, Mental Health, Nutrition, Diabetes Education, Physical Therapy, Smoking Cessation, and more. We have an on-site lab, so you don’t need to go anywhere else to get your regular testing and screenings. We can also help with getting patients access to low-cost dental and vision services, including eyeglasses. We have interpreters available for Spanish-speaking patients.
To make an appointment at The Community Care Clinic, or to get more information, you can call our office at (828) 265-8591 and speak with our Patient Coordinator, Cathy. You can also come to the office at 141 Health Center Dr Ste B, Boone, NC 28607.