Most men don’t like going to the doctor and don’t see a need to see one if they don’t feel anything is wrong. This might be okay in your early 20s, but by age 30 men should start seeing a healthcare provider on a more regular basis even if it’s every other year. It could save your life. Common ailments for men include heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, skin cancer, erectile dysfunction, obesity, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. Taking care of health problems early is the key to successfully preventing them.
The Importance of Annual Exams
Annual exams are an important tool in staying healthy. During your annual exam, your provider will discuss any issues or concerns you have, make sure immunizations are up to date, perform routine exams and labs and compare results with previous years. This allows your health care provider to keep track of how you are doing and notice things like high blood pressure which can lead to a stroke or high cholesterol which can lead to a heart attack. Your provider will ask questions to get a thorough health history including any known health problems in your family. This helps guide providers on what to look for and what tests and screenings to recommend.
A lot can change in a year. It’s important to update your provider with anything that has changed in the past year. Are you taking a new medication? Is there something you are worried about? Are you feeling depressed? Did anything change in your family history? All of these things are important to share with your provider during your annual exam. It’s a good idea to make a list of questions before your appointment and bring them with you.
Important Screenings for Men
Your provider will consider your age, sex, family history, and risk factors when deciding when and how often you should be screened. Screenings may include:
- Blood pressure reading
- Diabetes blood glucose screening
- Cholesterol screening
- Colonoscopy or stool test starting at age 45 – 50
- Prostate PSA test at age 50
- Skin cancer check
- Viral screenings
- If a smoker,
- Lung screening starting at age 50
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening at age 65
- Genetic testing
Ways to Keep Healthy
Many diseases are preventable. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself.
- Schedule annual exams
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol
- Monitor/control your cholesterol and blood pressure
- Manage stress in a healthy way
If you haven’t been to the doctor in a while, do yourself a favor and make an appointment. Don’t wait – many health problems are easily preventable if you see your provider early enough. Make an appointment today.
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Thomas Seaworth, MD
Perham Health New York Mills Clinic
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