[6 min read]
In this article:
- One of Brian Schmetzer's jobs as coach of Seattle Sounders FC is making sure that players are in good health and practicing habits to help them stay that way.
- For Schmetzer, that part of the job is personal; in losing his dad to cancer, he saw firsthand how delaying regular health screenings can mean the difference between life and death.
- Schmetzer ecnourages his players to take their health seriously and get regular health care and screenings, because cancer can affect anyone — even the young and invincible.
As head coach of Seattle Sounders FC, Brian Schmetzer spends his days helping players prepare for what’s ahead. Every match requires a game plan, attention to detail and a commitment to staying one step ahead of the competition. For him, that same mindset applies to his health.
After losing his father to cancer, Schmetzer learned firsthand the importance of not putting off medical care.
“My mom and dad both were diagnosed with cancer, and my mom got checked out, and she’s still here,” says Schmetzer. “My dad didn’t get checked out. He thought something was wrong but never went in, and he passed pretty suddenly. So what I’ve learned is that you need to come in, get screened and do the important things to keep your health.”
That experience shaped how he thinks about preventive care and the message he shares with players.
“My job as a coach is I have to get players ready for games, preventing goals, scoring goals – a lot of different things,” he says. “But leadership is also about taking accountability for your own self, your own health.”
Schmetzer encourages players to take their health seriously, even when they feel invincible.
“I like to preach to the players. They’re young; they feel invincible,” he says. “But even at a young age you need to get screened. It’s just part of being a good person and taking care of your health.”
Schmetzer believes personal stories can be powerful motivators for action.
“A lot of times I tell stories,” he says. “The story I tell about my father certainly resonates. A lot of these guys have parents who are getting a little older. And look, cancer doesn’t just take older people. It can affect everybody. Cancer is a terrible disease.”
Staying ahead of the game
One of the most important lessons from Schmetzer’s experience is the value of early detection. Many cancers can develop without obvious symptoms, which is why recommended screenings play an important role in identifying the problems before they become more serious.
“As a coach you prepare for every possibility on the field,” says Schmetzer. “But off the field, sometimes we put our own priorities on hold. When I lost my dad to cancer, I decided not to wait on my health anymore.”
Family history, lifestyle and age all help determine which screenings you need and when. Talk with your primary care doctor about recommended screenings, including prostate, colorectal or lung cancer screenings — especially if you are at increased risk.
To learn more about men’s health screenings and find the care that’s right for you, visit ProvidenceSwedish.org/menscreening.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, Providence Swedish is here for you. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. You can also connect virtually with your clinician to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
Understanding prostate cancer: risks, symptoms and prevention
Men’s health: It’s never too early to start annual exams
The right place for the right treatment: emergency department, urgent care, or primary care?
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
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