Piedmont Healthcare encourages screenings to prevent negative health trends

During these physicals, doctors can check blood pressure, and perform blood sugar tests and cholesterol tests.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Healthcare is encouraging men to get screened during Men’s Health Month in June.

Doctor Saju Mathew, a Piedmont primary care physician in Atlanta, says men 50 and older should get a physical annually, and younger men every three to five years, depending on your health history.

During these physicals, doctors can check blood pressure, and perform blood sugar tests and cholesterol tests. All of these tests are important in preventing and identifying potential diseases or illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, which is the top cause of death in men and women.

“You’re going in for a physical to make sure that you are not at an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, etc,” says Mathew. “And the way we do that is to start off with measuring your height, your weight, your blood pressure, your pulse you can tell a lot from just a patient’s vital signs.”

Mathew also recommends annual mental health screenings, which can typically be initiated via questionnaires during a physical or doctors visit.