T.J. Samson | Destination Health | August 2021

Primary care Guys, here’s a pop quiz: Can you name a medical necessity every man should have—even when they feel fit and healthy? The answer: a primary care provider (PCP). A PCP is a medical doctor or other health care professional who takes care of most of your routine health care needs. Having a PCP is important, even if you don’t have health problems now. Why? For starters, you could have a health problem and not even know it— many conditions don’t cause symptoms at first. But these problems can be harder to manage if they go on too long. Having a PCP means you have someone who will monitor your health and look for conditions or diseases early, when they may be easier to treat. A prime example: high blood pressure. If you have it and it goes unchecked, it may lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Your PCP will monitor your blood pressure to make sure it stays within a healthy range and treat it if it gets too high. Depending on your age and other factors, you might also need cholesterol checks, diabetes tests, and colorectal and prostate cancer screenings. BEYOND TESTS AND SCREENINGS Your PCP can also help you stay on top of recommended vaccinations and other preventive care, such as: ● Losing unwanted pounds, if you need to shed a few. ● Figuring out an exercise plan. ● Understanding any changes you may need to make to your diet. ● Quitting tobacco, if you smoke. ● Managing stress. A PCP is also someone you can trust with your mental health. For ex- ample, many men have depression, which causes symptoms such as increased anger and aggression, loss of energy, and sad or hopeless feelings. Depression makes it hard to enjoy life. But it is treatable. If you are going through tough times, your PCP can help you feel better. If you don’t yet have a PCP, you should select one and make an appoint- ment to be seen. You can choose from different types of PCPs, including family doctors, internal medicine doctors, geriatricians and nurse practitioners. Maybe your friends or relatives can recommend a PCP you might like. 7 S ome of life’s most important moments take place in a doctor’s office.That’s because your check- ups and other appointments with your provider are a time to focus on your most precious posses- sion: your good health. Yet doctors must see a lot of patients, and appointments can pass by more quickly than the both of you may like. So why not make the most of your valuable time together? Here are some tips that can help make your next visit a productive one: Do some prep work. Before your appointment, write down your questions or concerns.That way you won’t forget what you wanted to ask or talk about. For instance, if you want to discuss a new symp- tom you’re having, think about some details in advance, such as what makes the symptom better or worse. Write your questions or concerns in a notebook, or store them in your smartphone. Just don’t forget to bring your notebook or phone to your appointment! Be candid. Your doctor needs honest information to take the best care of you. So it’s important to open up, even if it embarrasses you. Your doctor won’t be upset or shocked at your habits. Being open and honest is important when it comes to anything that might affect your health and well-being, such as: ● Your smoking or drinking habits. ● Your sex life. ● Your emotional well-being, including feelings of depression or anxiety over stressful changes in your life like divorce or job loss. Ask about screenings and adult vaccines. Depending on your age and other factors, it could be time to update your shots or get a potentially lifesaving cancer screening test. So if your doctor doesn’t mention such things, ask what screening tests or immunizations you may need. Speak up if something isn’t clear. If you don’t understand any part of your doctor’s instructions or advice, don’t just nod your head. Ask your doctor to explain these things until they’re crystal clear. You can repeat your doctor’s instructions out loud to see if you got them right. OK, so I need to take this medicine with meals, correct? Make a medicine list and share it. Your doctor needs to know everything you’re taking—even any vitamins, herbs or over-the-counter medicines.This is important because some medicines can interfere with treatments or trigger a dangerous reaction. Make a list of all your meds and supplements, or bag them up and take them to your appointment. Bring some help. Is it hard to remember your doctor’s instructions? Consider bringing a loved one or a close friend to your appointment for a second set of ears.They can take notes and help you recall things your doctor said. Another option: Ask your doctor if it’s OK to record the visit. Get some expert advice. A doctor appointment is a chance to get advice that could literally change your life. Do yourself a favor and take advantage of that opportunity. For instance, are you thinking of losing weight, changing your diet or quitting smoking? Ask your doctor the best ways to accomplish your goals. You need a doctor. And we have highly skilled physicians who are accepting new patients. Call 270-651-1111 to make an appointment. ways to make the most of your doctor visits Men: Don’t neglect this important health tip What screenings do you need? Find out at tjregionalhealth.org/men . August 2021 7