Taking care of our own health should be top priority for each of us, but the truth is we sometimes neglect routine health visits and screenings at the expense of taking care of others. Remember the old adage, “You must first take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else?” Regular check-ins with your primary care physician (PCP) positively impact your whole health, improve your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing — and allow you to best care for your family.
What Is a PCP?
Primary care physicians are also known as general practitioners, and are usually specialists in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine. They treat many common health problems including acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-term) illnesses.
PCPs manage your health care over the long term, staying involved even when you need a specialist for diagnosis or treatment of a specific disease or health condition. Even if you need more than one specialist, your records will be sent to your PCP (at your request), so he or she can be the main coordinator of your health care.
The specialists’ notes, tests and lab results will be placed in your medical file at your PCP's office in one central location. This provides continuity of care and peace of mind knowing one doctor is aware of all your health issues.
Why Should I See a PCP?
Many health conditions men face are preventable or can be successfully treated if caught early. Men are more likely than women to smoke, use other tobacco products, drink alcohol and live a less than healthy lifestyle.
It’s important for you to understand your risk for certain diseases — especially those affecting only men — so you can take control of your health and improve your overall quality of life. Peace of mind is essential to good health.
"In my experience, men are more likely to delay preventative care visits or disregard potential important clinical symptoms. Essential hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is more prevalent in men (47%) than women (43%). You may not have any symptoms, but unknowingly, you are putting your heart, kidneys, and brain at risk for potential catastrophic events, such as stroke, heart failure, heart attacks and chronic kidney disease. Annual screening of your blood pressure is recommended for all patients, especially after 40 years of age. Do not miss the opportunity to check your blood pressure by establishing care with a primary care doctor. You may also benefit from screening for other cardiometabolic conditions, such as diabetes and elevated cholesterol" - AdventHealth Primary Care Provider, Dr. Luis Isea Mercado.
What Illnesses Does a PCP Treat?
Primary care doctors will provide routine checkups, preventative care like routine age-related health maintenance, and vaccinations. Finding a PCP who specializes in men’s health can be beneficial. Health issues your PCP treats or may be the first to identify include:
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Arthritis
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Colon cancer
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Depression
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Diabetes
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Enlarged prostate
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Erectile dysfunction
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Heart disease
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Hernia or herniated disk
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol
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Kidney stones
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Low testosterone levels
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Lung cancer
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Melanoma
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Parkinson’s disease
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Prostate cancer
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Testicular cancer
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Thyroid disease
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Sexual impotence
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Stroke
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Vision problems
Be Proactive and Take Control of Your Health
Maintaining a relationship with a primary care provider you trust — and can be open and honest with — will help keep tabs on your long-term health. To learn more and find an AdventHealth Primary Care provider near you, click here.
