Why should a man in perfectly good health see a doctor?
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First of all, if you haven't seen a doctor for several years, you may not be accurate on your assumption that you are in "perfectly good health." It's like changing your oil or tuning up your car. You do things to extend the vehicle's reliability and life span. If it's good for cars to get tune-ups, why not make an appointment for an annual physical exam? You should have a thorough initial examination between ages 18 and 22 and schedule one every five years until beginning annual exams at age 40.
It's important to find out if you have conditions such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol because, left untreated, they can lead to heart disease.
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Your doctor can help you find the best solutions for quitting smoking, controlling weight and managing stress, as well as help implement other positive steps that will decrease your risk of heart disease, cancer and other chronic diseases.
Preventive tests
One-half of men and one-third of women in the U.S. will develop some type of cancer in their lives. Diseases such as cancer are almost always easier to treat when caught early, before advanced symptoms appear, and treatment outcomes are better when disease is caught early. That said, plan to complete the following health screenings when your doctor recommends them:
- The American Urological Associates recommends a first-time PSA test (for prostate) at age 40.
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends beginning colorectol screenings at age 50 for average-risk adults.
- All men should have a testicular exam at their annual physical.
- ACS and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend an annual skin exam by a medical doctor.
- Your doctor will take into consideration your age, personal and family history and risk factors to determine what screenings are advisable for you.
Dr. Thomas Thorson is a board-certified family medicine doctor at Sanford East Mandan Clinic. A graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine at Grand Forks, Dr. Thorson completed his residency at the University of North Dakota Center for Family Medicine in Bismarck. He has special medical interest in occupational medicine. To make an appointment with Dr. Thorson, visit bismarck.sanfordhealth.org or call (701) 667-5000.
