Summer is the Perfect Time to Get Serious About Men’s Health

MACON, Ga., June 27, 2025 – Life can get busy and it’s easy to put off taking care of your health. Atrium Health Navicent doctors encourage men to use the lazy days of summer to double-check that they’re current on recommended health screenings and wellness visits, and to take steps to improve their health.

“Men often procrastinate when it comes to getting annual checkups or even seeing a doctor if they think they might have a health issue,” said Dr. Timothy Griffin who sees patients at Atrium Health Navicent Primary Care Internal & Family Medicine North Macon. “Seeing a health provider at least once a year helps us to keep a check on your health and diagnose conditions like heart disease or cancer earlier, when they’re easier to treat. Developing a trusted relationship with a primary care doctor can make a huge difference in your lifelong health.”

Common health issues for men

Understanding the most prevalent health issues for men is the first step toward proactive and effective health management.

• Cardiovascular health: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is essential for preventing heart disease.
• Mental health: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Unfortunately, stigma often prevents men from seeking help for issues like depression and anxiety. It's vital to encourage open conversations and professional support. How you feel absolutely affects how you are.
• Prostate and testicular health: Regular screenings for prostate and testicular cancer can save lives. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so make sure to schedule those check-ups. 

Tips for a healthier lifestyle

• Regular check-ups: Don't ignore symptoms or skip annual health check-ups. Regular visits to your health care provider can catch potential issues early.
• Healthy eating: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly improve your health. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar.
• Physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with muscle strengthening activities. Staying active is crucial for overall health.
• Mental well-being: Mental health practices like mindfulness, meditation and seeking professional help when needed can greatly improve your quality of life.
• Sleep hygiene: Quality sleep is essential for overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep routine. Avoid screens before bedtime and create a restful environment.

Upcoming health fairs

Health fairs can be a quick, inexpensive and convenient way to get a screening. 

Atrium Health Navicent Healthy Communities will be holding free health screening events in the coming months including: 

• Saturday, July 19: 9 a.m. to noon, at South Bibb Recreation Center, 7035 Houston Road, Macon 
• Saturday, Sept. 13: 9 a.m. to noon, at Festival Park, 310 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Fort Valley

Screenings are offered at no charge. No appointment is necessary.

Virtual care options
Some men may also find virtual primary care to be a more comfortable, flexible option to meet with a primary care provider. You can talk with a provider from your home, office or anywhere else. The service offers routine health visits, chronic disease management and more.

Take charge of your health today. Schedule your check-ups, start a new fitness routine and make healthier food choices. If you don’t have a doctor, visit www.NavicentHealth.org and click “Find A Doctor” or visit https://navicenthealth.org/telehealth for a virtual visit. 

About Atrium Health Navicent 

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 130-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. Advocate Health is nationally recognized for its expertise in heart and vascular, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs more than 160,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to redefining care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.