We understand that going to the doctor is not anyone’s favorite task. However, when it comes to men, it seems there’s an even bigger stigma surrounding regular checkups. At Your Family Medical, we’d like to change this. That’s why our Flower Mound pain and wellness team (locations also in Bedford, Benbrook and Boyd) put together this simple list of ways a family doctor can help men achieve optimal health. Read on to learn more!
Types of General Men’s Health Care Specialists
When looking for a good fit for a men’s health specialist for ongoing, general health care, there are a couple of different routes to go. Be sure to check in with your insurance company first to learn about any restrictions and/or guidelines they have. They will also likely be able to offer you a list of in-network physicians [in whichever category you choose] that are within a reasonable distance from your home.
The top three categories you will want to investigate are as follows:
- Primary Care Practitioner: This category includes Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Family Medicine Practitioners and Internists. They are a great option for general health care and can offer referrals to specialists as needed.
- Internal Medicine Doctor/Internist: Internists only treat adults, so this option is only available if you’re 18 years of age or older. This is a good option for someone who is generally healthy or has minor chronic conditions that require minor ongoing maintenance.
- Family Doctor: If you have a family, this may be a more appealing option. A family doctor offers the convenience of one provider serving all the members of your family. This is also a good option if you are a young man nearing 18 years old and want to keep the same doctor into adulthood.
If you’re looking for more insight on how to choose, visit our blog about the differences between an internist and a family doctor. It’s also important to feel comfortable with your doctor’s standard of care and personality. Don’t be shy about asking your friends and family for recommendations.
Preventative Screenings
As men, often times it seems simpler to ignore preventative care rather than take time out of a busy schedule. However, studies show that ignoring recommended screenings is part of what factors into women living longer than men. The types of screenings that your family doctor/internist can help you with include:
- Colon Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Heart Disease
- High Blood pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Testicular Cancer
Your men’s health specialist can give you all the specifics on how often you will need these screenings. Your doctor will customize these timelines based upon your current health, your health history, your age and a few other important factors. Our Flower Mound pain and wellness team (locations also in Bedford, Benbrook and Boyd) encourages men to get ahead of potentially serious health issues by being proactive.
Up-to-Date Shots & Vaccinations
Another way that your family doctor can help with common men’s health issues is with vaccines. As men age, it’s even more critical to ensure certain vaccines and shots happen at the correct health milestones. Some of the top examples of this are as follows:
- Shingles
- Flu
- Covid/Covid Booster
- Pneumococcal
- Tdap
Mental Health Management
Did you know that 78% of all people who die by suicide are male? And, since the COVID-19 outbreak, mental health professionals have seen a dramatic increase in anxiety, PTSD, depression and other mental health conditions. It has never been more important than now to know how to access mental health resources.
Your family doctor or primary care provider is an excellent place to start if you notice you are struggling more than usual. If you or someone you love is wrestling with feelings of depression, anxiety, hopelessness, grief or fear, schedule a time to talk with your doctor. He or she can begin the evaluation process and offer you options for getting help.
Doctors for Men Flower Mound TX
Don’t wait until there’s a problem before you schedule your next doctor visit. Get your health on track today with one of our internists, family doctors or primary care providers. We have locations in Flower Mound, Bedford, Benbrook and Boyd. We look forward to helping you feel your very best today and far into the future!
