For some men, the mere thought of seeing a doctor can make their skin crawl. “I think some men are afraid to go to the doctor; we may find something,” explains Dr. Mark McAllister, a family practice physician with Lee Physician Group. For others, there’s a different reason. “Guys, unless they do have some chronic problems and they’re used to going to doctors all the time. . . from the time they get high school age or beyond, if they’re feeling good then I think ‘if its not broken, then don’t fix it,’” adds Dr. McAllister.

No matter what might be his excuse, a trip to the doctor can be a blessing in disguise. One simple visit can help detect any number of life-threatening issues. “We want to screen men certainly for things like smoking, high cholesterol, sugar, diabetes, high blood pressure, and at a certain point in time, prostate issues with men,” says Dr. McAllister.

He believes men should think of a check-up as routine maintenance, rather than focusing on what a doctor might find ‘You come in and you do a physical exam and do the basic blood work.” One visit. Once a year. A quick chat with your doctor that could lead to years of happiness and health.