CHRISTUS Health encourages men to prioritize care during Men’s Health Month

As life gets busy, many men put their health on the back burner, delaying care until symptoms arise. During Men’s Health Month in June, CHRISTUS Health urges men to take a proactive approach by scheduling regular checkups, completing recommended screenings and building ongoing relationships with trusted providers.

Studies show men are less likely to seek care, often waiting until health concerns become serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 15% of men ages 18 and older report being in fair or poor health. Leading risks include heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, stroke and depression.

“Too often, men wait until something feels seriously wrong before they seek care,” said Dr. Michael Hindman, family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Health. “We focus on care that is integrated, accessible, reliable and personal so men feel supported before problems develop, not just when they’re sick. Early detection and routine care can make a lifesaving difference.”

CHRISTUS Health providers emphasize that preventive care remains one of the most effective tools for improving long-term health outcomes. Many serious conditions develop without obvious symptoms, making routine visits and screenings critical.

“Many men feel fine and assume that means they're healthy,” said Dr. Justin Du, family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Health. “The reality is that many conditions don’t always present with symptoms, so it can remain uncontrolled for a long time and really emphasizes the need for and importance of regular screenings.”

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Dr. Dylan Dean, family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Health. “We see too many patients who wait until they have a heart attack, heart disease or another serious illness before seeking care. Regular screenings help us identify risk factors early and address them before they become life-changing conditions.”

Providers across CHRISTUS Health say routine visits do more than check for illness. They create an opportunity for coordinated, personalized care that helps patients stay ahead of potential risks.

“Your yearly checkup is more than a routine appointment, it’s a chance to build a relationship with your provider and stay ahead of potential health concerns,” Hindman said. “When care is coordinated and personal, it becomes easier to catch small issues early and prevent bigger ones later.”

Regular screenings and wellness visits allow care teams to evaluate key health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, while also considering lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep and tobacco use. Family history can further shape individual risk, reinforcing the need for tailored care plans.

Screening recommendations vary by age and risk, but providers note that health changes often begin as early as age 30. Colon cancer screening generally starts at age 45, while prostate health discussions typically begin around age 50. Annual wellness visits are especially important for men with a family history of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes or cancer.

“Too often, men wait until symptoms appear before seeing a provider, but many serious health issues develop quietly,” said Dr. Gregory Bevels, family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “Routine visits give us the opportunity to detect problems early, when treatment is most effective.”

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, and many contributing risk factors are preventable or manageable through consistent care. Cancer screening also plays a vital role, with a significant portion of cancer outcomes linked to modifiable risks that early detection can address.

“Men often put off seeing a provider unless something is wrong, but many serious conditions don’t show symptoms right away,” said James Owens, family nurse practitioner with CHRISTUS Health. “Regular checkups can identify health concerns at an early stage when they’re most treatable.”

CHRISTUS Health encourages men to take simple steps toward better health, including scheduling an annual wellness exam, knowing key health numbers, staying active, maintaining a healthy diet and quitting tobacco use. Preventive services are often covered by insurance and serve as a foundation for long-term wellness.

By offering coordinated, accessible and personalized care across its network, CHRISTUS Health aims to remove barriers and make it easier for men to prioritize their health at every stage of life.