Before Symptoms Start: What Every Man Should Know About Preventive Care
Many serious conditions develop without warning signs. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be significantly advanced. This June, Mountain West Medical Center is drawing attention to what that means for men’s health—and what can be done about it.
The consequences of delayed care show up in the data. According to national vital statistics data, men now die an average of 5.3 years earlier than women—a gap that has nearly tripled since 1900, when the difference was less than two years. In fact, underuse of preventive care is a significant contributing factor.
A survey by the Cleveland Clinic reported almost 75% of men would rather do household chores than get their regular check-up exams. Among the 20 percent of men who have not been completely honest with their doctor in the past, the top reasons why include:
- 46% cited embarrassment
- 36% didn’t want to hear that they needed to change their diet or lifestyle
- 37% knew something was wrong but weren’t ready to face the diagnosis or would rather not know if they have any health issues
“Many serious and all-too-common conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, often develop without early symptoms and can progress silently for years before leading to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or premature death,” said Dr. Robert Glenney, a member of the medical staff at Mountain West Medical Center and with the Mountain West Medical Group Family Medicine clinic in Grantsville. “By the time a patient notices symptoms, we may be dealing with a condition that’s been progressing for years. That scenario is exactly what routine screening is designed to prevent.”
National statistics underscore the gap: only about half of adult men receive annual physicals, and many forgo recommended screenings altogether. Yet early detection remains one of the most effective tools in managing long-term health outcomes.
Men should stay current on routine monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, along with age-appropriate cancer screenings, including colon and prostate cancer. Mental health is part of the clinical picture as well—persistent stress, changes in mood, anxiety, and disrupted sleep can have measurable effects on physical health and should be discussed with a provider.
“Wellness visits require an investment of time, but they can provide tremendous value,” Dr. Glenney said. “They give me the opportunity to get to know my patients better, understand their health concerns, screen for common conditions, and encourage healthy lifestyle habits. By identifying potential problems early, preventive care can improve long-term health and may even help reduce healthcare costs in the future.”
This June, Mountain West Medical Center encourages every man in our community to schedule a wellness exam and speak with a physician about which screenings are appropriate for their age and health history. To request an appointment with Dr. Glenney, visit MountainWestAnytime.com or call 435-884-3578.