Summer 2024 5 If you haven’t been giving your health the attention it deserves lately, where do you start? Getting routine checkups with a primary care provider (PCP) can be a great way to begin. “I encourage my patients to have a physical exam once a year, even if they feel healthy and think there’s nothing going on with their health,” says Family Medicine doctor Olayemi Chukwuogo, MD. “A lot of conditions are silent—they don’t cause symptoms at first. So you won’t know if something is going on unless you come in.” June is Men’s Health Month Schedule checkups and screenings High blood pressure is one example of a silent condition. If left untreated, it may lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Checkups allow your PCP to monitor your blood pressure and other health risk indicators, like your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and treat them if needed before small problems become much worse. Catch cancer early Cancer can be easier to treat successfully when it’s found early, before it causes symptoms. Your PCP can help you understand if it’s time to be screened for: Colorectal cancer. Starting at age 45, everyone at average risk needs regular screening. Lung cancer. If you’re a former or current heavy smoker between the ages of 50 and 80, you may be eligible for a low-dose CT scan. Prostate cancer. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of having PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests. Don’t be the strong, silent type Tell your PCP if you notice any symptoms, including mood changes, that might be anxiety or depression. They are treatable conditions that too many men try to mask, Dr. Chukwuogo says. “It’s not a sign of weakness to talk to your doctor about any concerns,” she says. In fact, it’s a sign of strength. Time for a checkup? Get connected with one of our many primary care providers—we have nearly 30! Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Providers.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2MTU5NA==