Many serious conditions develop without warning signs. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be significantly advanced. This June, Kentucky River Medical Center is drawing attention to what that means for men’s health—and what can be done about it.
The consequences of delayed care show up in the data. According to national vital statistics data, men now die an average of 5.3 years earlier than women—a gap that has nearly tripled since 1900, when the difference was less than two years. In fact, underuse of preventive care is a significant contributing factor.
A survey by the Cleveland Clinic reported almost 75% of men would rather do household chores than get their regular check-up exams. Among the 20 percent of men who have not been completely honest with their doctor in the past, the top reasons why include:
- 46% cited embarrassment
- 36% didn’t want to hear that they needed to change their diet or lifestyle
- 37% knew something was wrong but weren’t ready to face the diagnosis or would rather not know if they have any health issues
“The body doesn’t always signal when something is wrong—that’s what makes conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes so serious,” said Dr. Aaron Johnson, a member of the medical staff at Kentucky River Medical Center. “By the time a patient notices symptoms, we may be dealing with a condition that’s been progressing for years. That scenario is exactly what routine screening is designed to prevent.”
National statistics underscore the gap: only about half of adult men receive annual physicals, and many forgo recommended screenings altogether. Yet early detection remains one of the most effective tools in managing long-term health outcomes.
Men should stay current on routine monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, along with age-appropriate cancer screenings, including colon and prostate cancer. Mental health is part of the clinical picture as well—persistent stress, changes in mood, anxiety, and disrupted sleep can have measurable effects on physical health and should be discussed with a provider.
“A wellness visit shouldn’t be written off as a waste of time,” Dr. Johnson explained. “It’s an opportunity to understand where you are health-wise and get ahead of conditions before they progress into something more serious. For many patients, that conversation has made a significant difference in their outcome.”
This June, Kentucky River Medical Center encourages every man in our community to schedule a wellness exam and speak with a physician about which screenings are appropriate for their age and health history. To find a physician or request an appointment, visit www.KentuckyRiverAnytime.com.