Men’s Health Month: Why Regular Check-Ups Matter
June 23, 2025
As a family medicine physician, I’ve seen firsthand how easy it can be for men to put their health on the back burner. Between work, family responsibilities and the general tendency to “tough it out,” many men skip annual visits and delay getting care until something feels seriously wrong. But here’s the truth: prioritizing your health before problems arise can add years to your life—and improve the quality of those years too.
June is Men’s Health Month, and it’s the perfect time to talk about why regular check-ups and preventive screenings are essential—not optional.
The “I Feel Fine” Myth
One of the most common reasons men avoid the doctor is because they don’t feel sick. But the absence of symptoms doesn’t always mean you’re in the clear. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and even some forms of cancer can develop silently. By the time symptoms appear, the condition may already be advanced and harder to treat.
That’s where regular wellness visits come in. These appointments give us a chance to detect early signs of disease, talk about lifestyle habits and create a plan to keep you healthy long-term.
Screenings That Could Save Your Life
Depending on your age, family history and personal risk factors, certain screenings can play a key role in preventing serious illness. Here are a few I discuss with my patients regularly:
- Blood pressure screening – High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” for a reason. Left unchecked, it can lead to heart disease, stroke or kidney damage.
- Cholesterol check – Elevated cholesterol levels can contribute to heart disease, the leading cause of death for men in the U.S.
- Diabetes screening - Type 2 diabetes can go undiagnosed for years. Detecting diabetes earlier leads to better treatment and fewer complications.
- Colorectal cancer screening - Recommended starting at age 45, earlier if there's a family history. Colon cancer is often more treatable the earlier it's found.
- Prostate health - For men over 55 or younger if at higher risk, we may discuss PSA testing for prostate cancer screening.
- Mental health check-ins – Depression and anxiety often go unspoken in men. At our clinic we make space for these conversations.
The Power of Prevention
A big part of my job is helping men stay ahead of illness. That means more than just tests—it means supporting you in building healthier habits. Whether it’s making small improvements in your diet, quitting smoking, staying physically active or finding better ways to manage stress, these steps make a real difference in preventing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Prevention is an investment. The steps you take today can save you time, money and stress in the long run. Even if you’re not ready to overhaul your lifestyle, you can start small—because every bit counts.
Care You Can Count On
At the Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine Residency Clinic, we take pride in delivering comprehensive, compassionate care to men of all ages. As part of the TMH system, our clinic is staffed by resident physicians — doctors who are fully licensed and committed to giving their patients the time and attention they deserve under the guidance of experienced faculty.
Our team works together to keep you well, catch problems early and help you take control of your health journey. And we’re here for the everyday issues too—from managing allergies and vaccinations to wound care and minor surgical procedures.
Make Your Health a Priority—Starting Today
If it’s been more than a year since your last check-up, Men’s Health Month is your reminder to take that next step. You don’t need to be feeling sick to see a doctor. In fact, the best time to come in is when you feel your best—so we can help keep it that way.
If you’re experiencing any complications with your health, speak to your primary care provider as soon as possible. If you need a primary care provider, visit TMH.ORG/PrimaryCare to find a provider who’s ready to partner with you for better health.
