Winter Park: Why Men Should See Their Primary Care Doctors

Taking care of your health should be a top priority, but it’s easy to sometimes neglect routine health visits and screenings at the expense of taking care of loved ones.

As a man, and especially if you’re a dad, providing for your family is likely prioritized above your own immediate health needs. Part of this could be delaying seeing your primary care doctor, even when there are signs of a health problem. Even though June is recognized as Men’s Health Month, you might also feel that it’s not the right time to seek health care due to the recent pandemic.

Dads: Taking Care of Your Health Is Caring for Your Family, Too

But the truth is that caring for yourself is an important part of taking care of your family, too. Take it from Winter Park’s Dr. Eddie Needham, the Chair and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP) of Cardiovascular Medicine Course. He practices at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Winter Park, and shares that “by caring for yourself with routine health maintenance and disease identification, you’re also showing that you love and care for your family members.”

You Don’t Have to Put Your Health on Hold

Because we prepared for a higher peak of the surge at our Winter Park facilities but we didn’t reach it, we’re in the secure position of having a continuous supply of fresh PPE, as well as a fully staffed team ready to provide you with the same care you received before the pandemic. Plus, our new normal includes enhanced safety measures to ensure you stay protected. And should we experience another surge in the future, we’re ready for it.

With this knowledge in mind, we encourage you to not delay seeing your primary care doctor in Winter Park, especially if you’ve put off appointments lately or are facing an unaddressed health need. Each of our practices are taking enhanced safety precautions for your protection so you can feel confident getting the health care you deserve.

How We’re Keeping You Safe Here in Winter Park

Dr. Needham says, “When my family needs care, this is the first place I go. Because we aren’t just making you feel safe. We’re ensuring you stay protected.”

And this is true across all practices, at each facility. Dr. Melissa Morello, who sees patients at AdventHealth Medical Group at the Center for Health and Wellbeing, says, “Our waiting room is cleaned continuously throughout the day, which includes all surfaces and high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, chairs, exam tables and much more. We also provide contactless registration, allowing you to check-in online and wait in your car until you get a text letting you know we’re ready to see you in the exam room.”

Other enhanced safety measures at our Winter Park facilities include:

• All staff wear fresh masks or spatial shields

• Visitors are screened for fever with forehead temperature checks before entering the lobby

• Each room is sanitized before and after every patient

• All visitors receive a surgical mask to wear during their visit

• All staff screened daily for fever

• Continuous enhanced sanitation of lobby and waiting areas throughout the day

• COVID-19 positive or symptomatic patients quarantined away from patients and visitors in a separate wing of our building

• Contactless registration allows you to wait in the lobby or in your vehicle, wherever you feel most comfortable

• Chairs in the waiting room are placed more than 6 feet apart

• Limited number of visitors at facilities

• Virtual check-in and check-out available

These measures are being taken at primary care doctors’ offices across Winter Park. If you’re not familiar with primary care doctors, we’re here to explain what they do, what they treat and why it’s important to see one each year.

What Is a Primary Care Doctor?

Primary care physicians are also known as general practitioners. They treat many common health problems including acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-term) illnesses.

Primary care providers and family medicine doctors also 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 primary care provider (at your request), so he or she can be the main coordinator of your care.

The specialists’ notes, tests and lab results will be placed in your medical file at your doctor’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 Primary Care Doctor?

Many health conditions that 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.

As a man, 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. It’s also important to stay healthy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of staying safe is protecting your health with regular visits to your primary care doctor.

Which Illnesses Does a Primary Care Doctor Treat?

Primary care doctors will provide routine checkups, preventive care like routine, age-related health maintenance, and vaccinations. Finding a primary care doctor who specializes in men’s health can be beneficial.

Oftentimes, your primary care doctor can identify health conditions you may need to pay close attention to. These health issues can include:

• Arthritis

• Colon cancer

• Depression

• Diabetes

• Enlarged prostate

• Heart disease

• Hernia or herniated disk

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Kidney stones

• Low testosterone levels

• Lung cancer

• Melanoma

• Parkinson’s disease

• Prostate cancer

• Testicular cancer

• Thyroid disease

• Sexual impotence

• Stroke

• Vision problems

Because your primary care doctor can identify and treat a range of issues, and because they're dedicated to your whole-person care over your lifetime, we encourage you to visit your doctor in Winter Park if you haven’t yet, this year. Rest assured that whole-person, preventive care is close to home in Winter Park, and that our primary care doctors are taking extra measures for your protection at each office. Don’t delay the care you need any longer.

Your Winter Park Primary Care Doctor Is Here to Help You Stay Healthy

Ready to take control of your health in a safe, protected environment? Find your Winter Park provider today. Your doctor will be here to guide you on your journey to whole health and help you safely get the care you need right away.