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  • Your Body’s Check Engine Light—Don’t Wait for It to Flash
Article Category: Highlights

Your Body’s Check Engine Light—Don’t Wait for It to Flash

By Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller

Published on June 13, 2025

Last updated 02:18 PM June 16, 2025

Car dashboard with check engine light on

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.

 

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Scott David Miller Primary Care Mens Health
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New, modern building in Dallas, Georgia with fresh paint and Wellstar logo features signs for urgent care, primary care, pediatrics and pediatric cardiology locations. The pediatrics side of the building has playful, curved awning to reflect its young patients' personalities.

Highlights

Wellstar Opens New Locations in Dallas

To serve our community’s growing healthcare needs, Wellstar opened new urgent care, primary care and pediatric cardiology locations at 76 East Paulding Drive in Dallas.

Primary care & mental wellness

People in Paulding County can now receive high-quality, evidence-based whole person care at the new Wellstar GME Internal Medicine—which also serves as a teaching center for doctors completing their residency. This practice offers typical primary care as well as mental and emotional health services.

Services include wellness exams, vaccinations, treatment for illnesses like the flu, management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and mental health support.

Schedule an appointment at our new primary care location in Dallas by calling (943) 202-9020. 

Urgent care 

If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions such as coughs, colds, sprains, broken bones and minor bites, burns and cuts.

Check in at our new urgent care location in Dallas or call (943) 202-9000.

Pediatric heart care

Our pediatric cardiology experts can evaluate and create comprehensive treatment plans for children and teenagers with congenital heart defects, arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders), chest pain, heart palpitations, high blood pressure/cholesterol, fainting, cardiomyopathies and heart failure as well as fetal (prenatal) cardiology. Wellstar Children's of Georgia pediatric cardiology specialists provide comprehensive, coordinated care with a multidisciplinary team, which may include pediatric heart surgeons and electrophysiologists (heart rhythm specialists), as well as medical geneticists, pediatric nurses and dietitians.

Schedule an appointment at our new pediatric cardiology location in Dallas or call (470) 956-9171.

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Man speaking to clinician

Highlights

Understanding an Enlarged Prostate

If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, you’re not alone—and effective treatment is available. At Wellstar, patients have access to advanced urology care close by, including personalized treatment options designed to improve comfort and quality of life.

What is an enlarged prostate?

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is one of the most common conditions affecting men over 50.

The prostate is a gland located below the bladder that helps produce semen. As men age, the prostate naturally grows larger. For some men, the enlarged prostate can press against the urethra and block the flow of urine, leading to bothersome urinary symptoms.

What symptoms should I be aware of?

Common symptoms of BPH include frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted urinary stream, waking up at night to urinate and feeling like the bladder is not fully empty.

In severe cases, some men may have difficulty urinating at all. If you are experiencing these symptoms, your primary care physician may recommend seeing a urologist.

Should I worry about prostate cancer?

Not necessarily. BPH is a non-cancerous condition and is separate from prostate cancer. However, a urologist may recommend routine prostate cancer screening based on your age, symptoms and overall risk factors.

What should I expect during a urology visit?

Your first visit will include a discussion about your symptoms, medical history and overall health. Additional testing—such as lab work, a physical exam or specialized imaging—may also be recommended to better evaluate the prostate and bladder.

What treatments are available for BPH?

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how much they are affecting daily life. For some men, simple lifestyle changes—such as limiting caffeine and alcohol, reducing fluids before bedtime and following a regular bathroom schedule—may help relieve symptoms.

Medications are often the next step and can help improve urine flow, relax muscles around the bladder and prostate, or shrink the prostate over time. If symptoms continue or become more severe, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be recommended. Today, many treatments use advanced technology designed to reduce recovery time and improve comfort. Options may include laser therapies, water-vapor treatments, image-guided procedures that remove excess prostate tissue, procedures that gently widen the urinary channel, or robotic-assisted surgery for larger prostates. At Wellstar, urologists use advanced robotic technology, including the da Vinci surgical system, to provide precise treatment through small incisions. This helps many patients experience less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

The good news is that men have more treatment options than ever before. Your urologist can help create a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, lifestyle and goals.

Learn more about prostate care and other urology services at Wellstar.

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Photo of location

Highlights

Wellstar Expands Primary Care in Lovejoy

To serve our community’s growing healthcare needs, Wellstar has opened a new location in Lovejoy with primary care services.

Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life. Visit Wellstar Primary Care for:

  • Non-emergent health concerns 
  • Chronic conditions 
  • Routine checkups and annual wellness exams
  • New or worsening symptoms 
  • Immunizations

Hampton
11400 Tara Blvd.
(943) 202-8800

Schedule at this location

 

Benefits of a primary care clinician

The main role of a primary care clinician is to keep you healthy at every age and stage of life. To keep you feeling your best, these experts are trained to:

  • Get to know and understand your unique health needs. Your primary care team can keep you on track with your individual wellness goals, whether you are planning to start a family, need help managing a chronic illness or want to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Coordinate care and provide referrals for specialists. Your primary care team can quickly and seamlessly get you in touch with the robust network of medical experts, such as cardiologists, oncologists, neurologists and more at Wellstar.
  • Keep you up-to-date on immunizations and vaccinations. You can build up your body’s immunity to common diseases and protect your health with the latest vaccines, all ordered by your primary care clinician.
  • Order appropriate health screenings, diagnostic tests and follow-up care. If your wellness check-up reveals certain risk factors, chronic conditions or new diagnoses, your primary care clinician can help you get the right treatment fast.
  • Treat you for acute illnesses, such as colds or the flu. When you feel under the weather, your established primary care clinician can often get you an appointment sooner so you can feel better.

Learn more about primary care at Wellstar.

Photos of lobby and exam room in Hampton primary care location

Keep reading

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