According to recently published information, one-third of American men have not seen a physician in the past year, and 10 percent have not seen one in the past five years.

Although men of all ages should have routine checkups with their physicians, it is very rare for men to begin seeking routine care until they are in their 40s. While there may be many individual reasons for this, men are generally reluctant to see physicians routinely because of:

• cost
• time
• lack of trust
• discomfort in discussing their own health

However, many of the top 10 causes of death and disability can be prevented or delayed with early diagnosis and treatment. Likewise, many of the physical changes that occur as men age can also be addressed with early diagnosis and treatment. By establishing relationships with family physicians now, signs and symptoms of conditions can be managed as they occur.