HOLLAND, Mich., June 12, 2025 — June is Men's Health Month, a time to raise awareness about prioritizing health and well-being. Holland Hospital encourages men to be proactive about their health by establishing a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP). Local and national trends indicate men are missing crucial opportunities for regular primary care check-ups that could prevent serious health conditions, a concern amplified by a recent Healthgrades survey revealing 37% of men skipped, delayed, or avoided preventative care in the past year, often due to a lack of awareness about recommended measures.
Benjermen Blackmer, DO, primary care provider at Holland Hospital, explains why this is so vital: "Regular checkups with a PCP are crucial for early detection and management of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, which disproportionately affect men," he said.
To effectively manage their health, men should prioritize regular visits with a PCP. Consistent engagement with a PCP facilitates early detection of health concerns, often resulting in less complex treatment. Additionally, PCPs provide tailored health recommendations, actively promote prevention through screenings and vaccinations and offer crucial resources for mental health support, an area often underutilized by men.
Dr. Blackmer outlines steps men can take to be proactive in their health habits: finding a PCP who understands their needs and scheduling routine checkups, discussing any health concerns or questions and developing a personalized health plan that includes screenings, vaccinations, and healthy lifestyle recommendations.
Holland Hospital emphasizes its commitment to helping men live longer, healthier lives through high-quality, patient-centered care. The hospital also prioritizes clear communication about evolving medical guidelines, such as updated recommendations for colonoscopy screenings (now starting at age 45), PSA screenings in older men, Tdap boosters every 10 years, and controlled substance prescription management, among others.
The hospital continues to earn national recognition for delivering top-quality care, exceptional patient experiences and superior value. Most recently, Holland Hospital was recognized for its exceptional patient experience, achieving a place among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient experience. This recognition underscores the hospital's dedication to providing patient-centered care and fostering a positive health care experience for all individuals.
Learn more at hollandhospital.org/appointment or schedule a visit by calling (616) 394-3200.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
June 12, 2025