Team Spotlight, Health & Wellness

Why Women Are Often the Key to Men's Health

Jan 8, 2026

Why women are often the key to men’s health

If you’re the one scheduling appointments, tracking medications or gently reminding the men in your life that “it’s probably time to get that checked,” you’re not alone. Across the country, research indicates that women are the drivers behind children’s health care management, carrying the role approximately 74% of the time. It’s not a stretch to imagine the role they play with men finally establishing care with a primary care provider—and that step can be life-changing.

“Men tend to delay care until symptoms interfere with daily life,” says Umer Rashid, MD, primary care physician at Adventist Health Medical Office – Selma. “Having a trusted primary care provider helps shift the focus from crisis care to prevention and long-term health.”

At Adventist Health Medical Office – Selma, Dr. Umber Rashid and Dr. Shahzeb Nadeem offer seamless primary care in a caring environment —one that supports prevention, manages chronic conditions and connects seamlessly to specialists when needed.

Building a medical home for men’s health

Primary care isn’t just about sick visits. It’s about having a medical home—a central place where care is coordinated; health history is understood, and decisions are guided over time.

“Primary care needs to be a foundation of men’s health,” says Shahzeb Nadeem, MD. “When men establish care early, we can focus on screenings, risk factors analysis and lifestyle recommendations that can prevent serious health problems down the road.”

Through an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider, men can gain a trusted physician who can help navigate any specialized care concerns and coordinate care with experts across the Adventist Health network. For women advocating for their partners, fathers, sons or brothers, helping establish this connection can make all the difference.

The health issues men often put off

Many of the most common health issues men face—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, weight changes, sleep concerns or ongoing stress—don’t always cause obvious symptoms at first. As a result, they’re often delayed or overlooked.

“Routine checkups allow us to identify risks early and intervene before they become serious,” Dr. Rashid explains. Preventive visits also create space to discuss mental health, energy levels, digestive concerns and other issues men may be hesitant to raise on their own, along with appropriate screenings that support long-term wellness.

Preventive care that fits real life

Convenience matters—especially when you’re encouraging someone who already feels too busy for a doctor’s visit. At Adventist Health Medical Office – Selma, Dr. Rashid and Dr. Nadeem offer same-day appointments and walk-in availability, making it easier to take that first step without long waits or complicated scheduling.

“When care is accessible, men are more likely to follow through,” says Dr. Nadeem. “Same-day access removes one of the biggest barriers to getting started.”

From annual physicals and lab work to vaccinations and lifestyle counseling, preventive care is designed to fit into real life—not disrupt it.

Helping him take the first step — care close to home in Selma

Sometimes, the hardest part is simply getting started. Encouraging that first visit—and choosing a convenient, welcoming primary care office—can open the door to better health.

“Once men establish care and see the value of an ongoing relationship, they’re more engaged in their health,” Dr. Nadeem says. “That first visit can change everything.”

For families in Selma and the surrounding communities, compassionate primary care is close to home.