5 Tips to Help Men Prioritize Preventive Care and Regular Checkups
Preventive care can help protect long-term health
Preventive care can help protect long-term health
Key Takeaways
- Preventive care can help detect health issues earlier.
- Regular screenings support long-term health.
- Support from loved ones may encourage men to seek care.
- Virtual care can make appointments more convenient.
Men often put off routine medical care for a variety of reasons. Some say they’re too busy or too tired to schedule a doctor's appointment. Others believe they don't need a checkup because they feel fine.
But feeling healthy doesn't always mean everything is OK. Many serious health conditions can develop quietly, without obvious symptoms.
Skipping regular checkups and preventive health screenings may allow conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers to go undetected for years.
“Preventive care is one of the most effective tools we have for protecting long-term health,” says Spencer Hirt, DO, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines. “Early detection of conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer often means more options and better outcomes.”
How preventive care supports long-term health
Preventive care helps find health problems early, often before symptoms start.
Simple screenings, like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks, can spot warning signs and help lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Staying up to date on cancer screenings also helps detect cancer earlier, when treatment may be more effective.
Healthy habits are another key part of prevention, Dr. Hirt adds. “Getting regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet and staying current on routine screenings all support long-term health,” he says.
These lifestyle habits can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your heart health and lower your risk of chronic conditions. They may also lower your risk of some cancers.
Encouraging men to prioritize preventive care
Screening recommendations vary based on age, family history and personal risk factors, but common screenings for men may include:
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol screening
- Blood sugar testing for diabetes
- Colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 for average-risk adults
- Discussions about whether you should be screened for prostate cancer
- Mental health screenings
- Routine vaccinations
Encouraging men to prioritize their health can make a meaningful difference. Support from family members, partners or friends may help make routine care feel easier and more manageable. Here are some ways you can help:
1. Make access to care simple
Whether he is already taking steps to see a doctor or simply needs encouragement, offering support can help make the process easier. Helping schedule an appointment, find a doctor or choose a convenient time may reduce some of the barriers that keep men from seeking care.
If he doesn’t have a regular doctor, offer to help him find a provider he feels comfortable with. You can also consider going with him to the appointment for support.
2. Connect preventive care to the things that matter most
Preventive care can help support the ability to keep doing the things that matter most to him.
Emphasize the importance of staying healthy for family and loved ones, maintaining independence and preserving quality of life.
It may also help to frame preventive care as an investment in long-term goals, such as career success, travel, hobbies and active retirement.
3. Suggest virtual care
Virtual primary care visits can help save time and make it easier for patients to address minor concerns or begin care without an in-person appointment.
At Scripps, virtual care services — including Symptom Checker, E-visit and Video Visits — allow patients to connect with providers through the MyScripps patient portal.
4. Help prepare for the appointment
Preparation can help reduce anxiety and make appointments more productive. Encourage open conversations about symptoms, family history, medications, stress, sleep and lifestyle habits.
Some men may feel uncomfortable discussing certain health concerns or making lifestyle changes related to diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol use or mental health. Talking through these topics beforehand may help them feel more at ease speaking with their doctor.
It can also help to make a list of questions, symptoms and concerns before the appointment so important topics are not overlooked.
5. Encourage open conversations about concerns and fears
Open, honest conversations can help reduce hesitation and make seeking medical care feel less intimidating.
Acknowledge that he may have concerns about possible diagnoses, cost, time away from work or other barriers to seeking care, while emphasizing that early detection often leads to more treatment options and better outcomes.
It may also help to remind him that healthcare providers discuss personal health concerns every day and are there to answer questions in a professional, supportive and nonjudgmental way.
Signs it’s time for a checkup
Signs it may be time for him to see a doctor:
- Persistent fatigue or unexplained pain
- Noticeable changes in weight, appetite or mood
- A family history of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer
- High stress or signs of mental health concerns
- Ongoing sleep problems or low energy levels
Addressing these concerns early can help detect health issues sooner and prevent more serious complications in both men and women.
Supporting his long-term health
Support from partners, family and friends helps men build healthier, long-term habits. Encouragement, honest conversations and help with appointments or care decisions can make preventive care feel less overwhelming and easier to prioritize.