Is there anything more difficult than convincing a man to go to the doctor for an annual physical exam? They seem to think whatever is wrong with them will go away if they wait long enough. Guys, you know what I’m talking about!
My husband received his wake-up call a year or so before his 60th birthday when he failed a stress test. That resulted in 5 by-pass surgery! Once healed from that, I can’t say he was more diligent about visiting his doctors, but he did make changes in his life to lessen the stress.
It goes without saying that older men need to pay more attention to their health. And the reminders (and often, nagging) often fall to their wives to get their attention.
Facts about Men’s Health
A survey by Cleveland Clinic using 500 American men as subjects, ages 18-70, found that only 3 out of 5 men bother getting annual physical exams. Over 40% of men will only go to the doctor when they think they have a serious medical condition.
More than half of the men surveyed said they don’t talk about their health. It’s a fact that men are less likely to seek regularly health care than women.
It is also a fact, says the CDC (Center for Disease Control) that the leading cause of death for men is heart disease, and that is followed by cancer and accidental deaths.
Facts about Men’s Senses
Men are more than 5 times more likely than women to lose their hearing. As men age, their sense of smell may diminish and may not be as strong as women’s. Ask any woman, and they can describe the difference between a man’s ability to distinguish colors versus a woman’s ability. Men lose that ability to distinguish the difference between certain colors as they age.
Truth is, men experience a number of bodily changes as they age and they need to include annual physicals in their routines.
Why an Annual Physical Exam Is Important for a Man’s Health
I don’t know if men in general believe they are invincible or if they just ignore the possibility of health issues causing problems in their lives. But for sure, too many older men only see a doctor when a problem arises and not on a regular basis. By delaying or avoiding those annual exams, a potentially curable disease or condition could turn deadly.
The Annual Physical Exam Will Assess Your Overall Health
Along with the expected blood pressure check, a complete lab panel will screen your blood for a number of conditions, including diabetes and cholesterol. The physician should discuss your lifestyle, your amount and type of exercise and your weight. The exam should also include a discussion of any needed vaccinations.
Most doctors recommend that older men receive an annual flu vaccination and the pneumonia vaccine. There will probably be a discussion of the Covid-19 vaccine. He or she may also recommend the shingles vaccine.
Your medical history and any potential risk factors for you should also be included in your physical exam.
An Annual Physical Exam May Catch the Leading Cause of Death in Men Before It Happens
Men have a greater risk of heart attacks then women, especially, older men. It often takes a heart “incident” to convince men to lead a healthier life. Some risk factors may not be changed, but taking care of your body, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking will lower your chances of heart disease.
In my husband’s case, a routine physical found blockages leading to his heart before damage occurred.
Colon Cancer: The Third Leading Cause of Cancer-Related Deaths in Men
Men have a slightly higher risk of developing colon cancer than women. Risk factors include lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use and a diet high in red or processed meat.
Colon cancer screening should begin at age 45 or younger, should the disease exist in a close relative. While colonoscopies are still used, a less-invasive procedure is the “test-at-home” unit that allows you to mail in a sample of your poop to be tested. It’s certainly much easier than having to drink the bottles of preparation for the old test, followed by staying up all night going to the bathroom before the colonoscopy procedures.
Senior Smokers Should be Tested for Lung Cancer
An annual screening for lung cancer is recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force if you are between the ages of 50 and 80, a smoker or quit within the last 15 years and had a 20-pack-per-year history, get screened.
Prostate Cancer, the Second Leading Cause of Death in Men
As men age, the prostate grows. Bacterial infections, benign growths and even cancer can cause an enlarged prostate. One man in 41 will die of prostate cancer. Most men will survive, but not if they ignore their symptoms. This is another reason why men should get annual physical exams!
The 5 Most Common Signs of Prostate Cancer
- Difficulty starting urination.
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
- Urinating often, especially at night.
- Trouble emptying the bladder completely.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
Should you experience any of those symptoms, visit your primary care physician or urologist at once!
Who Is Most at Risk for Prostate Cancer?
All men over age 50 and Black men are most at risk. If you have close blood relatives who had prostate cancer, your chances increase. Should any family members have a history of the breast cancer gene – BRCA1 or BRCA2, your odds of prostate cancer increase.
Decrease your odds of getting prostate cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting more exercise.
There are other forms of cancer that older men should watch for and your doctor can discuss those. Hence, another reason for that annual physical exam.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged area in the lower aorta. A rupture causes bleeding and sudden death.
“If you are between 65 and 75 and smoked more than 100 cigarettes in your lifetimes, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm screening ultrasound.”
I lost a dear friend to this type of aneurysm several years ago. There was no warning and no previous symptoms. Get screened!
An Annual Physical Exam Helps Monitor Your Overall Health
You have just read of some conditions that an annual physical exam can prevent or detect. Your primary care physician is your partner in your maintaining good health as you age. Yes, you may see him or her for illness or injuries throughout the year, but the focus of that annual physical exam should go a long way in keeping you healthy and active and living a long life.
