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SearchFather's Day is just around the corner. It's also a good time to check in with your dad about his health. A physician explains why those conversations are needed.
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CLEVELAND - Father’s Day is this Sunday, making it the perfect time to check in with your dad about his health and encourage him to see the doctor if hasn’t got in a while.
“I see people that come into my office and I ask them, ‘Hey, why are you here, Joe?’ and they’ll saymy family’s been bugging me about coming in. So, bug them to come in, it works,” said John Hanicak, MD, family medicine physician for Cleveland Clinic. “And we see the downstream effects of that. So, they do show up and you get things taken care of, catch things early.”
Dr. Hanicak said there are all kinds of reasons someone may delay seeing the doctor, like maybe they’ve just been really busy, or they didn’t think the pain or discomfort they’re experiencing was a big deal.
But, the sooner a person comes in, the better. Then their doctor can help treat the issue before it turns into something serious.
It’s also important not to delay screenings or tests.
For example, prostate cancer exams are typically recommended around 50.
They may be needed sooner if there’s family history.
Speaking of family history, Dr. Hanicak said parents need to make sure they’re talking to their children about genetic concerns, too.
“If you haven't seen your doctor for a long time, don't be afraid to check in with us,” he added. “We're not going to yell at you because your cholesterol is high. Our job is to help you to be the best person that you can be. But, the first step is coming in for that appointment to catch up and see how things are going.”
Dr. Hanicak said talking to men about their mental health is just as important.
He knows it can be a sensitive topic for some, but it’s worth addressing.
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 276 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient encounters, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
Editor’s Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request.
