Hey Guys! It’s Time to Prioritize Checkups, Screenings, and a Healthier Future

Men have unique healthcare needs. That’s why Frederick Health is aiming to raise awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men of all ages.

Despite medical advancements and public health campaigns, the statistics surrounding men’s health are sobering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average, men in the United States die five years earlier than women. They also die at higher rates from nine of the top ten causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries.

One of the key culprits? A lack of routine screenings, tests, and primary care visits.

“The reality is that some men don’t go to the doctor until something is seriously wrong,” said Dr. Scarlet Louis-Jean, a provider with Frederick Health Medical Group Primary Care. “But many of the biggest health threats men face - like high blood pressure, diabetes, or prostate cancer - often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Screenings are how we catch them early, when they’re most treatable.”

Routine screenings and regular primary care visits are a cornerstone of preventive medicine. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular blood pressure checks beginning at age 18, cholesterol screenings every 4-6 years for men over 20, and colon cancer screenings and colonoscopies starting at age 45. Yet according to a 2023 Cleveland Clinic survey, over 60% of men say they avoid the doctor and nearly 40% admit they've withheld information from their doctors in the past.

The positive impact of engaging in routine health screenings ripples beyond the individual. When men prioritize their well-being, it benefits families, workplaces, and communities. Children are more likely to have regular checkups if their father is actively engaged in their medical care, and spouses or partners often report reduced stress and stronger emotional connection when their loved one is healthy and proactive.

"Among some men, there's a stigma that going to the doctor is a sign of weakness, or that it’s only necessary if you're sick,” said Dr. Louis-Jean, “But that mindset can cost lives.”

In addition to routine screenings for things like blood pressure and diabetes, men should be mindful of how specific tests play a crucial role in their overall health. As a man ages, he must be mindful of the ways his body changes and the health concerns he should keep an eye out for.

Dr. Louis-Jean recommends the following:

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Recommended for many men beginning at age 50 - or earlier for those with a family history - this test helps detect prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death among men.
• Colonoscopy: A powerful tool in the fight against colorectal cancer, which is rising in men under age 45.
• Blood Glucose Testing: Key for identifying diabetes and prediabetes, conditions that often go unnoticed until complications arise.

Mental health is another area where men tend to suffer in silence. Suicide rates are significantly higher among men, particularly in middle-aged and older demographics. Depression and anxiety often go undiagnosed due to stigma and underreporting.

“Men are often raised to not talk about their feelings and to be self-reliant, which can make it harder to talk about emotions or seek mental health care,” stated Dr. Louis-Jean. “But emotional well-being is just as important as physical health.”

Having a Primary Care provider is the first step on the path to wellness. If specialized support is needed, Frederick Health has a team of experts to support the unique healthcare needs of men including in areas like urology, weight loss, or breathing issues. The providers at Frederick Health understand that men and women often display different symptoms for many medical issues and can refer their patients to experts for treatment. These providers will then work with their patients to develop unique care plans to address and meet their health goals.

Specialty care such as urology plays a critical role in men’s health by addressing conditions specific to the male-urinary tract and reproductive system. Frederick Health’s expert urologists are trained to diagnose and treat issues such as prostate problems, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and kidney stones, which can significantly impact quality of life. Like Primary Care screenings, early detection and management of urological conditions can prevent complications and improve long-term health outcomes.

“Frederick Health is encouraging men to take small, manageable steps like scheduling overdue physicals and talking to your doctor about what getting healthy means for you. Small steps can make a big difference,” says Dr. Louis-Jean.

“Start exercising regularly, even a daily 20-minute walk can improve cardiovascular health. Cut back on alcohol. Reach out for help if you're struggling emotionally. If you haven’t had a checkup in years, now is the moment. Preventive care works. It saves lives.”

As these efforts continue, Frederick Health hopes the message resonates. The goal isn’t just awareness; it’s a lasting change. Finally, Dr. Louis-Jean had some profound words to offer.

“Men need to understand that caring for their health isn’t a chore, it’s an investment. And it’s never too late to start.”

Getting started is easy! Schedule a visit with a Primary Care provider online by visiting frederickhealth.org/find-a-provider or call 240-215-6310.