Men's Health Month: Why Preventive Care Can Save Your Life

Dr. Curtis Chastain joined Medical Monday to discuss the importance of men's health during Men's Health Month. His message was simple: men often take care of everyone else before taking care of themselves, which can allow serious health issues to develop unnoticed. Chastain encouraged men to establish a relationship with a primary care physician and schedule routine checkups, even when they feel healthy. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure often develop slowly and can be treated more effectively when caught early. He also highlighted symptoms men should not ignore, including chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, unusual fatigue, wounds that won't heal, and changes in moles. Many men dismiss these warning signs until a condition becomes serious. Sleep was another major topic. Chastain called sleep deprivation one of the biggest health challenges facing Americans today. He said poor sleep can increase stress and negatively impact overall health. He encouraged men to evaluate habits like late-night screen time, caffeine consumption, and eating heavy meals before bed. The conversation also focused on preventive screenings. Chastain recommended three key screenings for men:Coronary calcium score to detect heart disease earlyColonoscopy to prevent and detect colon cancerPSA test and prostate exam to screen for prostate cancerHis overall message was clear: healthy habits such as diet and exercise are important, but they do not replace regular medical care. Taking action before symptoms become severe can help men live longer, healthier lives.