Not all men’s health screenings are the same. In fact, they shouldn’t be. Depending on your age, family history, risk factors, and other considerations, your annual checkup should be as unique as you are.
Of course, there are some checks and screenings these important get-togethers with your primary care provider should have in common. And since June is Men’s Health Month, we thought we’d walk you through some of the big ones.
See Your Doctor Annually
The most important thing in building and maintaining a lifelong foundation of health is to visit your primary care provider each year. They’re not only a great personal resource, they’re a continuous link to your health history and the best source for trusted advice about health challenges you might be facing now and those you may need to be mindful of in the future. So be sure to see your family doctor every year. And if you don’t have one, you can find a doctor here.
In Your 20s And 30s
It may seem like you don’t need a doctor’s care when you’re young and healthy. But seeing your doctor regularly is the best way to STAY healthy. And that starts in your 20s and 30s. Here are some of the things your typical well visit with your primary care provider should include:
General Health
- A full checkup – That includes things like checking your height and weight and doing some basic blood work.
- A discussion of your sleep habits – Proper sleep is critical to overall health, so make sure you discuss it.
- Eye exams are recommended every other year.
Immunizations
- Seasonal influenza vaccine – The best way to avoid serious flu complications is to get a flu shot every fall.
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster vaccine – You should get this important vaccination every 10 years.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine – You should be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 26.
- Meningococcal vaccine – If you’re a college student or a military recruit, be sure to discuss this vaccine with your doctor or nurse.
- COVID-19 vaccine – We’ve already seen how effective the COVID-19 has been in helping end the pandemic. It may be akin to a flu shot in the future.
Oral Health
- Dental cleaning and exam – Because oral health is so closely tied to physical health, it’s important to see your dentist regularly, too – at least every 12-24 months.
In Your 40s And Over
General Health
- A full checkup – Managing your weight and blood work indicators become more important checkup conversation as you age.
- A discussion of your sleep habits – Quality sleep remains critical and can become more challenging, so it’s important to continue to discuss it.
- Hepatitis C (HCV) screening – If you were born between 1945 and 1965, it’s important to have this one-time screening.
Additional Screenings
- Skin – Being regularly screened for any skin abnormalities is the best way to catch skin cancer at its earliest stage. Skin screening is based on your individual risk, so be sure to talk to your primary care provider about it during your annual exam.
- Colon – Colorectal screenings can prevent up to 90% of all colon cancers. That’s why it’s recommended that you begin colorectal screenings at age 45 and continue through 75. If you have a family history or higher risk of cancer, you may want to start even earlier. Discuss it with your doctor and get their recommendation.
- Prostate – If you’re at higher risk for prostate cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends you begin screening at age 40. For those at normal risk, talk to your primary care provider about screening options beginning at age 50.
- Bone – A bone density exam is recommended at age 65 or earlier if you’re at high risk for bone loss.
- Lung – If you’re 55 or older and meet the screening criteria, a low-dose CT scan can help detect lung cancer. Talk to your doctor about scheduling one if they think it’s wise.
- Eye exams are recommended every other year.
Immunizations
- Seasonal influenza vaccine – The flu can be riskier the older you get, so continue to get an annual flu shot to help limit its impact.
- Tetanus-diphtheria- pertussis booster vaccine – Keeping getting this booster vaccine every 10 years.
- Shingles – the shingles vaccine is recommended for those over 50 years old.
- Pneumonia – the pneumonia vaccine is recommended for those over 65 years old.
- COVID-19 vaccine – If it’s still recommended, plan to get a COVID-19 booster shot each year for the time being.
Oral Health
- Dental cleaning and exam – There’s never a time to neglect your teeth and gums. So continue to see your dentist every 12-24 months for an exam and cleaning.
Your health needs are as singular as you are. But no matter your age or circumstances, there are simple things every man can do to maintain his health. And the best partner in that process is your primary care provider. So if you have one, see them at least once a year and get the screenings they recommend. And if you need one, Mount Carmel has dozens of expert family physicians in every community across central Ohio who would love to help ensure your lifelong health.