June marks National Men’s Health Month, serving as an important reminder for men to prioritize their well-being not only during this month, but throughout the entire year. Preventive screenings starting at age 18, a healthy lifestyle and staying up to date on annual checkups are all ways to promote long-term health and wellness.
Most important preventive screenings are recommended to begin at age 18, but it’s a good idea to speak to your care team about what is best based on your health history and personal needs. In addition to preventive screenings, a physical exam is important for maintaining overall health. Beginning at age 18, men should generally have a physical exam every year. The physical exam usually screens for depression/anxiety, diet and exercise, medications, safety concerns like domestic violence and drug, alcohol and tobacco use.
Despite the recommendation, 33% of males think they don’t need annual checkups, according to an Orlando Health survey. However, routine physical exams play a key role in the early detection of disease, support healthy lifestyle management, establish important health baselines and help build a trusted relationship with the healthcare provider. Even if you feel healthy, regular visits with your provider remain an important part of preventive care.
Other important screenings include blood pressure screening, cholesterol screening, eye exam, colorectal cancer screening and a dental exam. Blood pressure screening should begin at age 18 and be repeated annually. Men with certain health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or obesity, may need more frequent monitoring. For most adult men, a normal blood pressure is generally considered to be around 120/80 mmHg or lower.
A cholesterol screening is also an important part of preventive care. Cholesterol screening should begin at age 20 and be repeated every four to six years. However, men with risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke or circulation problems may need to be screened more often. High blood pressure and high cholesterol may not have symptoms in early stages. Early detection allows for timely treatment and can reduce the risk of serious health problems.
Prostate cancer is something males should be aware of, with a median diagnosis age of 68. However, it’s recommended men receive a prostate-specific antigen test beginning at age 55 and repeated every two to three years. A physician may recommend you have this screening done at age 40 if you have a first-degree relative who had prostate cancer, have two extended family members who have had prostate cancer or if you are African American.
One of the most important preventive screenings is to check for colorectal cancer. This can be done with a colonoscopy, which is an evaluation of your large intestine. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventive cancers when caught early. Colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45 and repeat every 10 years. Men with a family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps may need to begin screening earlier or undergo testing more often.
An eye exam is another important test all men should be aware of but could be overlooked, especially by men who do not wear glasses or contact lenses. Even men with no vision problems or risk factors should have a baseline comprehensive eye exam at age 40. For men with no significant eye disease risk factors, comprehensive eye exams are generally recommended every two to four years between ages 40 and 54, every one to three years between ages 55 and 64 and every one to two years beginning at age 65.
In between these preventive screenings and exams, don’t forget your dental health. Teeth are a large component of staying healthy and can even show signs of illness before symptoms arise. It’s important to schedule a teeth cleaning and exam one or two times per year. Your dentist will evaluate if you should be seen more often.
Taking care of your health through preventive screenings, regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices can help men live longer, healthier lives. Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, colorectal cancer, vision and dental health allow doctors to identify potential problems early, often before symptoms appear. Staying informed about recommended screenings and maintainingopen communication with healthcare providers are important steps in preventing serious illness. Men should also discuss with their doctor whether additional screenings or more frequent exams may be necessary based on family history, personal risk factors or existing health conditions.
