Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Summer 2021

You may pay less attention to your own health than to other important matters, like your job, home and family. But you deserve good health—and a good, long life. And isn’t it time you did something about that? Start by prioritizing your health today. You need a primary care provider (PCP), such as a family physician or an internist, that you trust. You can call HPSJ if you need help finding a doctor. Whether you feel more comfortable with a male or a female provider is totally up to you. Your PCP can give you regu- lar checkups and help make sure you get the care you need, which may include: Health screenings. Preven- tion is important for your well-being. You may feel fine, and you may be healthy. Or you could have a silent health prob- lem, like high blood pressure, and not know. Your PCP can use screening tests to detect some diseases before they cause symptoms, when they’re often easier to control or treat. For example, you may need to be screened for high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes or colon cancer. Vaccines. Are you due for a tetanus booster? A shingles shot? Do you get a flu vaccine every year? Getting recom- mended vaccinations can help you avoid painful and serious diseases. Advice for a healthy life. Your PCP can help with goals like eating right, exercising regularly, losing weight and quitting tobacco. Open up Your provider is there to help—not judge. But they can’t do that unless you talk about sensitive topics that may be keeping you from a healthier life, such as: Your mental health. Do you feel sad, hopeless or disinter- ested in activities you once enjoyed? Do you have trouble sleeping, thinking or feel tense? These can be signs of depression or anxiety, which are serious illnesses. Treat- ment helps most people enjoy life again. Your drinking or smoking habits. You need to come clean if you drink alcohol or use tobacco or other substances. Your PCP can discuss the risks with you and get you treatment. Your energy level or sex drive. If you’re tired a lot or your desire for sex has plum- meted, there may be a reason, such as a low testosterone level, that can be treated. Sources: American Heart Association; Hormone Health Network; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Men: Let’s do this! It’s time to take control of your health Focus Your Health 5