Men are three times as likely as women to have gone without a doctor’s visit in the previous five years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

“Men are reluctant to go to the doctor’s for ‘no reason,’” said Kelli Goldsborough, a nurse practitioner with University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Group – Primary Care.

However, an annual wellness check is essential to good health. It’s an opportunity to check and get screened for risk factors to help prevent serious health problems. 

“As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Goldsborough said.

Wellness exams include an assessment of weight and height along with screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. 

“I make sure that patients understand why I’m doing the labs I’m doing and do my best to include them in the decision-making,” Goldsborough noted. 

Patients are asked about tobacco and alcohol use, exercise habits, diet and risk for sexually transmitted infections. The doctor will review the patient’s medications and administer any needed immunizations. 

“Depending on age, there is also a discussion about prostate cancer screening, which includes a PSA or digital rectal exam, and we evaluate for inguinal hernia,” Goldsborough said. 

If you want to get the men in your life on a wellness track, experts suggest scheduling appointments together. Once there, they may find the benefits outweigh the fear and inconvenience. 

“I find that once men understand that their concerns are as important as my objectives, there is greater adherence to scheduling annual physicals,” Goldsborough said.

Where to Get a Wellness Exam in Charles County

Whether you feel like your doctor makes getting a regular wellness exam more difficult than it needs to be or you simply never thought about getting a wellness exam before, UM Charles Regional Medical Group – Primary Care is here to make it as easy and convenient as possible.

Located in La Plata, MD, our primary care team provides continuing and comprehensive health care for you. That includes preventive care appointments such as regular wellness exams.

Ready to schedule your next wellness exam with the experienced, compassionate team at UM Charles Regional Medical Group – Primary Care? Call (301) 609-5044 today.