Surveys show that roughly one-third of men in the United States believe they don’t need an annual physical. Even more assume they’re healthier than the average person, a belief that simply doesn’t align with current health statistics.
This mindset is especially concerning given today’s rising rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity. More than half of adult men either have high blood pressure or take medication to control it, and heart disease and cancer remain the leading causes of death among men.
At Enrich Family Practice in Odessa, Texas, Kelly Burrows, APRN FNP-C, and Lee Ann Garza, FNP, emphasize the importance of preventive care for long-term wellness. If you’ve fallen behind on your yearly exams, now is the perfect time to get back on track. Schedule your annual wellness visit today.
Cultural expectations and outdated beliefs often shape men’s attitudes toward medical care. Many feel pressured to appear strong, independent, and invulnerable, sometimes referred to as the “Superman complex.”
For some, seeing a doctor feels like admitting weakness or acknowledging that something might be wrong. Others avoid care because they worry about taking time off from work or family responsibilities.
But the truth is simple: men are not inherently healthier, and delaying care doesn’t reduce risk. In fact, men face unique health concerns that benefit significantly from early detection, routine monitoring, and preventive treatment.
Here are five essential reasons men should prioritize yearly wellness exams:
Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men in the United States. A person dies from cardiovascular disease approximately every 34 seconds.
Many major risk factors — including high blood pressure and high cholesterol — develop silently with no obvious symptoms. An annual physical helps detect these issues before they escalate into emergencies like heart attacks or strokes, giving you the chance to intervene early and reduce long-term risk.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men. About one in five Americans will develop it in their lifetime.
Your yearly exam includes a skin cancer screening to identify suspicious lesions early, when treatment is most effective.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, with one in eight receiving a diagnosis at some point.
Regular screenings and discussions about risk factors during your annual visit can support early detection, greatly improving outcomes.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects an estimated 52% of men during their lifetime.
Your annual physical gives your provider the opportunity to evaluate contributing factors — such as vascular health, hormone levels, or lifestyle habits — and offer treatment options to support your sexual wellness.
Men experience liver disease, including cirrhosis, at higher rates than women. Alcohol consumption patterns and other lifestyle factors often play a role.
During your yearly exam, your provider reviews your health history, discusses alcohol use, and evaluates early signs of liver dysfunction.
Staying ahead of potential health problems is one of the most effective ways to protect your well-being. If it’s been more than a year since your last checkup, don’t wait. Call Enrich Family Practice at 432-200-9052 to schedule your annual physical today.
