Writer: Katon Lunsford
As Men’s Health Month shines a spotlight on the importance of wellness and disease prevention, family medicine physician Dr. Dylon Howard has a simple message for men: don’t wait until something is wrong to see a doctor.
One of the most common challenges Howard sees in his practice is men delaying medical care until symptoms become difficult to ignore.
“I think men tend to be a little bit more hesitant when seeking healthcare, and that tends to delay a lot of diagnosis and a lot of treatment for a lot of men,” Howard said. “So I would just mainly encourage everyone to get their health checkups.”
As a family medicine physician, Howard spends much of his time focused on preventive care. He emphasized the importance of identifying risk factors early and helping patients make lifestyle changes that can improve both quality of life and longevity.
“A lot of the conditions that I see could have been prevented with early detection and early preventative measures,” he said.
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the biggest concerns for men’s health. Howard noted that coronary artery disease is a leading cause of mortality among men, making routine screenings and healthy lifestyle habits especially important.
When evaluating a patient’s risk, providers consider factors such as family history, tobacco use, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Those conversations help physicians determine whether additional testing is needed and identify opportunities to reduce future risk.
Howard recommends many men begin discussing cardiovascular screenings with their provider in their early to mid-30s, though family history and individual risk factors may warrant earlier evaluation.
Beyond heart disease, Howard highlighted diabetes as another common condition that often develops quietly.
“Diabetes is probably far more prevalent than a lot of people realize,” he said.
Symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination and chronic fatigue can be warning signs that warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider. Understanding family medical history can also help patients recognize their own risk.
Many chronic conditions, Howard said, share common preventive strategies. A healthy diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes and other health concerns.
“Most of us live fairly sedentary lives, especially with work,” Howard said.
For adults, he recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week and incorporating strength training several days a week. For those who are not accustomed to regular exercise, starting small is key.
“At least starting out, do whatever you can, whether it be just getting out and walking for ten minutes a day, and then gradually building your stamina up,” he said.
While physical health often receives the most attention, Howard believes mental health deserves equal consideration.
“If they’re feeling a certain way, they’re not alone,” he said. “I really want to encourage men to not hesitate to address whether it be anxiety, depression, etc.”
Howard noted that stress, anxiety and depression can affect both mental and physical well-being. He encourages men to speak openly with their healthcare providers and take advantage of available resources.
Dr. Howard also emphasized that health extends beyond medical appointments. Physical health, mental health, social connections and community involvement all contribute to overall well-being.
“I think health is not just with one person, it’s with the person and everyone else that’s close to them,” Howard said.
Whether through family, friends or community groups, having support can make healthy habits easier to maintain.
As Men’s Health Month continues, Howard hopes men will take a proactive approach to their health rather than waiting for a problem to arise.
His advice is straightforward: “If you don’t have a doctor, if you haven’t been checked out, go get that initial check.”
By prioritizing routine screenings, healthy habits and open conversations about both physical and mental health, men can take important steps toward improving not only life expectancy, but what Howard calls a “healthy lifespan.” For those looking for a physician, Stillwater Medical provides a listing of primary and specialty care providers on its website www.stillwatermedical.org
“It’s not just about increasing life expectancy,” Howard said. “It’s about helping to increase healthy life expectancy.”
