Men's Health Month
Tallahassee, FL — June is Men’s Health Month, and healthcare professionals are working to raise awareness of the importance of routine medical exams for men. Local doctors continue to be concerned that only about half of adult men get an annual physical and about a third do not feel the need for annual health screenings at all.
“Men’s Health Month provides a good reminder to encourage the husbands, sons, brothers and friends in our lives to prioritize their health,” said Carey Dellock, MD, interventional cardiologist at HCA Florida Capital Hospital. “Statistics show men are less likely than women to get routine checkups or seek treatment until symptoms become more serious, which can lead to poor outcomes. Scheduling routine physicals can help detect early-stage conditions such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease and diabetes, when they are most treatable.”
Men under age 40 should have a wellness physical every two to five years, annually for those age 40+.Here are some of the more common screening recommendations men should make a part of their routine care.
Blood pressure check: Annual blood pressure checks are crucial as untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.
Check cholesterol levels: Monitoring cholesterol levels annually also is essential for assessing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Those with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes or family history should have their cholesterol levels checked more frequently.
Diabetes screening: The American Diabetes Association recommends annual screening for type 2 diabetes for age 45 and older, or sooner for those with risk factors.
Prostate screening: Starting at age 45, your doctor may recommend a prostate-specific antigen blood test. Early detection of prostate cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Colonoscopy: Regular colonoscopy screenings should begin at age 45, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, to detect for colon cancer and precancerous polyps. Colonoscopies are recommended every ten years, but those with a family history of colon cancer may need to be screened more frequently.
Testicular cancer screening: Starting in their late 20s, men should perform regular self-exams, checking for any unusual lumps, swelling or pain. Unlike other cancers, testicular cancer is most common in men in their late 20s to early 30s with an average diagnosis of 33 years.
Mental health checkup: Some men may be reluctant to seek treatment for symptoms of depression, stress or anxiety. If you are experiencing anger or irritability, mood swings, changes in your sleeping habits or appetite, increased feelings of sadness or thoughts of harming yourself or others, it is important to discuss your mental health with your doctor right away.
For more information on men’s health screening recommendations, read our Healthy living blog post, 5 essential health screenings for men.