From an interview with
Dr. Winston Plunkett
McLeod Family Medicine Center

“Men certainly like to dismiss seemingly minor health concerns,” said McLeod Family Medicine Physician Dr. Winston Plunkett. “There’s maybe an emphasis in society for men to grin and bear it. However, I think that it’s important not to dismiss things that be a problem. It’s another good reason to have a family physician that you know, trust and feel like you can tell them anything.”

If you’re a guy noticing something that’s different or a change with your body, it’s worth having that conversation with a family medicine physician. For instance, if you’re spending more time trying to get going to the bathroom. Don’t be embarrassed. We’ve heard it all before. Let us know what you’re experiencing, and we can probably help.

ANNUAL EXAM
I think every man should see a doctor annually. It’s really important to keep an eye on things like your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you come and you establish care with a family physician before you get that first heart attack, it’s a lot better. We can do a lot to prevent heart attacks, rather than trying to fix them once they’ve happened.

SLEEP APNEA
Approximately half of the men who snore have obstructive sleep apnea. It’s not to say that women don’t have sleep apnea, but it’s much more common in men. Men have longer airways. They’ve got bigger neck lines. Things that predispose men to having sleep problems. So, if you snore or your partner lets you know that, “Hey, I can’t sleep, honey. You’re snoring all night long,” that might be a sign of a more serious problem. Sleep apnea is something, where we can intervene and if we’re fixing your sleep apnea, we can reduce your blood pressure and reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

One of the best treatments for people with sleep apnea is CPAP, a machine that you wear at night to helps support your breathing, making your breathing more regular. Many patients feel significant relief, and it prevents bad things like heart attacks and strokes.

ACTION YOU CAN TAKE
Find a family medicine physician and schedule your annual exam.

Find a Family Physician near you.