Speaking of family history, Dr. Hanicak said parents need to make sure theyre talking to their children about genetic concerns, too. Image for illustration purposes

Mega Doctor News

see people that come into my office and I ask them, Hey, why are you here, Joe? and theyll saymy familys been bugging me about coming in. So, bug them to come in, it works, said John Hanicak, MD, family medicine physician for Cleveland Clinic. And we see the downstream effects of that. So, they do show up and you get things taken care of, catch things early.

Dr. Hanicak said there are all kinds of reasons someone may delay seeing the doctor, like maybe theyve just been really busy, or they didnt think the pain or discomfort theyre experiencing was a big deal.

But, the sooner a person comes in, the better.Then their doctor can help treat the issue before it turns into something serious.

Its also important not to delay screenings or tests.

For example, prostate cancer exams are typically recommended around 50.

They may be needed sooner if theres family history.

Speaking of family history, Dr. Hanicak said parents need to make sure theyre talking to their children about genetic concerns, too.

If you havent seen your doctor for a long time, dont be afraid to check in with us, he added. Were not going to yell at you because your cholesterol is high. Our job is to help you to be the best person that you can be. But, the first step is coming in for that appointment to catch up and see how things are going.

Dr. Hanicak said talking to men about their mental health is just as important.

He knows it can be a sensitive topic for some, but its worth addressing.

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