Reports Show Men Not Taking Care of their Health

Mark Stephan, MD, director of Family Medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, is not surprised by this alarming statistic. “Men’s health is just as important as women’s health yet men more often shy away from the doctor,” says Dr. Stephan. “Men have changing health concerns that require medical attention during different stages of their lives.” 

Health screenings men should consider during each stage of life include:

Ages 20 - 39:

• Physical exam: every 1-3 years
• Blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Dental exams
• Cholesterol testing at age 35, sooner if at risk for heart disease
• Screening for alcohol misuse
• Depression screening
• Sexually transmitted disease prevention counseling and testing as needed
• Tobacco use screening and counseling
• Immunization/influenza vaccinations

Ages 40 - 49:

• Continue same screenings as noted in 20-39 age category
• Physical exam: every 1 -2 years
• Cholesterol testing
• Diabetes screening at age 45, sooner if at risk for diabetes
• Heart disease risk assessment

Ages 50 - 64:

• Continue same screenings as noted in 20-49 age categories
• Colon cancer screening
• Prostate cancer – discuss screening with physician at age 50

Ages 65 and older:

• Continue same screenings as noted in 20-64 age categories
• Physical exam: annually
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
• Cardiovascular disease risk assessment

“With new research findings concerning men’s health screenings such as prostate cancer, many are confused as to which tests they should undergo and when they should be screened,” says Dr. Stephan.  “It is important for men to speak with their primary care physician about what tests are recommended by age, hereditary risk, and lifestyle. They should never hold off from seeing a doctor if they have symptoms.”