SoKY’s Choice: Health experts encourage men to prioritize checkups during Men’s Health Month
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Feeling tired, experiencing low energy, gaining weight, and dealing with stress are often dismissed as a normal part of aging. However, health experts say those symptoms can sometimes point to underlying health concerns.
Mike Curtis, owner of Men’s Health of Bowling Green, says many men believe changes in their energy levels are simply part of getting older and delay seeking medical care.
“Men who find that their energy levels diminish as they age often brush it off as just part of getting older,” Curtis said. “A lot of times, there could be an underlying issue.”
Curtis says one of the biggest challenges is encouraging men to seek preventive care before a serious health problem develops.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Kentucky, with cancer also ranking among the state’s top health concerns. The CDC also reports Kentucky has one of the lowest life expectancies in the nation at 72.3 years old.
“In general, we need to do a better job of getting the message out that men should be getting screenings, seeing a primary care provider, and having conversations about their health,” Curtis said.
Health experts say regular checkups are important even for men who exercise regularly or feel healthy, because many conditions can develop without obvious symptoms.
Curtis also emphasized the importance of mental health, noting that many men still feel uncomfortable discussing issues such as anxiety, depression and stress.
“There’s often a perception that men are supposed to be strong and not talk about those struggles,” Curtis said. “But I’m seeing more men become willing to have those conversations, and I think that’s because awareness is growing.”
During Men’s Health Month, health professionals are encouraging men to pay attention to warning signs, schedule routine screenings, and make their physical and mental well-being a priority.
