Statewide Iowa (RI) – Iowa men are being reminded to drop the “tough guy” act and be preventative about their health. Dr. Will Klein says studies find men between 19 and 65 are much less likely than women to seek preventive health care, and they’re also more likely to report not having a primary care provider.
Aches, pains, skin blotches and anything out of the ordinary shouldn’t be ignored, as Klein says it’s often the case that the sooner it’s found, the better the outcome of treatment.
It’s vital to see a primary care provider every year, he says, even if you seem a-okay, as those annual physicals may uncover a potential problem that needs immediate attention.
Self-diagnosing is another potential landmine, he says, as reading about an ailment on the internet is no substitute for an expert taking a close-up look.
Money’s always a concern, but Klein notes most insurance companies cover the cost of preventative care, including annual physicals.
