Well Starts with Spring Screenings

If you’re a sports fan, you’re probably glued to every game, rooting for your team and analyzing every play. But are you as vigilant with your own health? 

In addition to knowing your health stats—those important numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar—you should also watch for health conditions that more commonly impact men. 

An annual physical gives you the opportunity to ask your clinician questions about your health, and you’ll get a few quick, crucial health screenings that can catch issues early and put you on track for staying well.

“See your primary care provider at least once a year to check in on your well-being and stay up to date on essential screenings you may need,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Facia Dew. “Your provider will customize care based on your health history, age and other factors to help you feel your best.”

Take action against illness

Some illnesses are more likely to affect men than women, so men should be especially mindful about taking steps to prevent these issues:

Lung cancer

Men are slightly more likely to get lung cancer—the lifetime risk for men is 1 in 17, while it’s 1 in 18 for women, according to the American Cancer Society. Black men are about 12% more likely to develop lung cancer compared to white men. Decrease your risk of lung cancer by avoiding smoking.

With a low-dose CT scan of the chest, it only takes a few seconds to check in on your lung health. An order from your healthcare professional is required for a lung cancer screening. Contact your Wellstar primary care team or a pulmonologist to discuss if screening is right for you.

Parkinson’s disease

Men are 1.5 times more likely than women to have Parkinson’s disease, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Wellstar neurologists and neurosurgeons are experts in helping patients manage this condition.

Kidney stones

The risk of kidney stones is about 11% in men and 9% in women, according to the National Kidney Foundation. You can reduce your risk of kidney stones by staying hydrated and eating a low-sugar, low-sodium diet. Your care team can help you evaluate your risk factors, including personal and family history, obesity and being 40 or older. 

Prostate cancer

While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer and are more commonly affected at younger ages. Men who are 50 or older should ask their doctor about testing, and Black men should discuss testing with their care team at age 45. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should also consider screenings at a younger age, and your healthcare professional will discuss options with you. 

Form healthy habits

According to Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller, men need to stay active and stay away from smoking. He also noted a few lifestyle changes that are sometimes overlooked can make a difference in how you feel.

“What’s often neglected is a full and consistent night’s sleep,” Dr. Miller said. “And keep stress under control—too much stress can negatively impact our immune systems.” 

Find a primary care professional near you.

By Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller

Most men pride themselves on being low maintenance. If nothing’s obviously wrong, why bother going to the doctor? But here’s the thing—just like your car, your body can be quietly heading toward trouble long before any warning lights come on.

Still, many men will change their brake pads before they book a physical. We rotate our tires, change the oil and keep up with maintenance because we know neglect leads to breakdowns. But when it comes to our health, many of us take a “wait and see” approach that can backfire.

At Wellstar, we see the impact of that delay all too often: men arriving with advanced prostate cancer, uncontrolled blood pressure or kidney problems that could have been caught early. These aren’t rare cases. They are common consequences of skipping routine check-ups.

The reality is that many of the biggest threats to men’s health—prostate cancer, heart disease, low testosterone and diabetes—often start with no symptoms at all. You might feel fine while a problem is quietly progressing. A simple prostate-specific antigen blood test, a blood pressure check or lab work to monitor cholesterol and glucose can give us the early warning signs we need to keep you healthy and active.

We also know that men tend to avoid talking about certain issues, including urinary symptoms, sexual performance, energy levels or even stress and burnout. These aren’t simply part of “getting older.” They’re signs that something might be off, and they’re usually treatable.

At Wellstar, we make it easy to have those conversations. Our men’s health specialists take the time to listen and offer care that’s rooted in science, respect and discretion. No awkwardness, no judgment—just answers, guidance and a path forward.

Remember that staying healthy isn’t only about you. It’s about showing up for the people who count on you—your partner, your kids, your family and friends, your team at work. When you take care of yourself, you’re protecting everything and everyone you care about.

Quick tune-up tips for men’s health

• Get seven to eight hours of sleep consistently.
• Aim for 30 minutes of movement most days.
• Limit processed foods and added sugar.
• Reduce alcohol and quit smoking if you use tobacco.
• Don’t ignore new symptoms, especially related to urination, energy or mood.
• Make your annual check-up non-negotiable.

Even if you feel fine today, investing in your health now can prevent bigger problems tomorrow. And when you partner with a trusted, local team like Wellstar, you’re not checking a box—you’re taking control of your future.

Ready for a tune-up?

Visit wellstar.org/primarycare to find a location near you and book your appointment online. Find a urologist near you.