Taking Charge of Your Health During Men's Health Month

Category: Videos, Educational, Primary Care, Information
Posted On: Jun 26, 2026

June is Men's Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preventive care and encouraging men to take an active role in their health.

While many men prioritize work, family and other responsibilities, routine healthcare often falls to the bottom of the list. Unfortunately, delaying preventive care can allow serious health conditions to develop without obvious symptoms.

According to John Jordan, APRN-CNP, at Norman Regional Nine Primary Care, Men's Health Month serves as an important reminder that investing in your health today can help protect your quality of life for years to come.

Why is Men's Health Month important?

Many men avoid scheduling routine checkups because they feel healthy or aren't experiencing symptoms. However, annual wellness visits can identify potential health concerns before they become more difficult to treat.

"Men's health is very important because we tend to brush off our own health," Jordan said. "We want to take care of everybody else, but if you're not at your fittest and healthiest, there's no way you can provide as much as you can for yourself or your family."

Preventive care allows healthcare professionals to monitor important health markers, discuss family history and identify risk factors that may not be obvious. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and some cancers can develop silently, making regular screenings essential.

"You may feel healthy with no problems," Jordan said. "But how do you really know unless you come in and get examined by somebody who knows what they're looking for?"

What are the most common health concerns for men?

Several chronic conditions disproportionately affect men and can significantly impact long-term health if left unmanaged.

Some of the most common concerns include:

Heart disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity
Colon cancer
Prostate cancer
Tobacco-related illnesses

Many of these conditions can be detected early through routine screenings and lab work. Early detection often leads to more treatment options, better outcomes and fewer complications.

Jordan compares preventive care to putting out a small fire before it grows.

"If you see a fire starting to spark and put it out early, it's easy," he said. "If you wait, that fire grows out of control. It takes a lot more time, effort and can become very dangerous."

What screenings should men prioritize at different ages?

While every patient is unique, Jordan recommends several routine screenings that can help identify health concerns early.

In Your 20s and 30s

Even younger adults should establish care with a primary care professional and begin monitoring key health indicators.

Important screenings may include:

Blood pressure checks
Cholesterol screening
A1C testing to screen for diabetes
Weight and body mass index (BMI) monitoring

"A lot of times you don't know you have high cholesterol or other problems," Jordan said. "It's good to get those things screened early."

Around Age 40 - 45

For adults at average risk, colorectal cancer screening typically begins around age 45.

However, individuals experiencing digestive symptoms or those with a family history of colon cancer may need screening sooner, around age 40.

Around Age 50

Many men begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their healthcare professional around age 50. Depending on family history and individual risk factors, some men may benefit from earlier screening.

Jordan says many prostate screenings can begin with routine blood work, making the process simple and convenient.

When should men schedule routine checkups and lab work?

The answer is simple: don't wait until you're sick.

An annual wellness exam allows primary care doctors and nurse practitioners to evaluate your overall health, review family history, discuss concerns and determine which screenings may be appropriate for your age and risk factors.

For many patients, routine blood work can provide valuable insight into their health.

"A basic panel like your A1C, cholesterol, blood counts, liver function and kidney function is one just poke, one needle and we’ll have all of the basic information we need," Jordan said.

These tests can help identify concerns before symptoms develop, allowing care teams and their patients to create a plan for maintaining or improving health.

For new patients, Jordan focuses on building relationships and understanding individual goals.

"We'll talk about your family history, your personal history and any concerns you have," he said. "I want patients to feel heard, respected and actively involved in their care."

How can small lifestyle changes improve long-term wellness?

Improving your health doesn't require dramatic changes overnight. Small, consistent habits can have a significant impact over time.

Jordan encourages men to focus on several key areas:

Prioritize Sleep

Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night supports heart health, metabolism, immune function and mental well-being.

"I think getting enough sleep is one of the best things people can do," Jordan said.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and adequate hydration supports overall wellness. Limiting highly processed foods, excessive alcohol consumption and unhealthy fats can help reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Stay Active

Regular physical activity helps improve cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress. Even moderate exercise, such as walking, can provide significant health benefits.

Quit Smoking and Vaping

Tobacco products and nicotine-containing devices increase the risk of heart disease, lung disease and cancer. Quitting remains one of the most impactful steps individuals can take for their long-term health.

Know Your Numbers

Understanding your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and other health markers can help you make informed decisions about your health and catch concerns early.

Take the First Step This Men's Health Month

Men's Health Month is an opportunity to focus on prevention, wellness and longevity. Whether it's scheduling an annual physical, completing routine lab work or making healthier daily choices, small actions today can lead to better health tomorrow.

"If there's one thing I could say, it's don't delay achieving a good quality of life," Jordan said. "If all it takes is an office visit and a couple routine screenings to help keep you healthy, it's worth it. There are people who love you and care about you, and they want to see you around for a long time."

John Jordan, APRN-CNP at Norman Regional Nine Primary Care

If you've been putting off preventive care, Men's Health Month is the perfect time to establish a relationship with a primary care physician or advanced practitioner and take charge of your health.

To schedule an appointment with John Jordan, APRN-CNP, or another Norman Regional Primary Care professional, call 405-515-5000 or book online.