By Dr. Zach Johnson
Many men take pride in being tough and pushing through discomfort. But when it comes to your health, waiting until something feels serious isn’t the best strategy.
During Men’s Health Month, I want to encourage a simple shift: Be proactive, not reactive. Many common conditions — including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers — often develop without obvious symptoms. Preventive screenings allow us to detect concerns early, when they’re easier to manage and treat.
Recommended Screenings by Age
While every patient is different, here are general guidelines:
In Your 20s & 30s
- Blood pressure checks every 1–2 years
- Cholesterol screening (earlier if you have risk factors)
- Diabetes screening if overweight or at risk
- Testicular health awareness
- Mental health check-ins
- Lifestyle discussions about diet, exercise, sleep, and tobacco use
This is the time to establish healthy habits and identify risk factors early.
In Your 40s
- Annual blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol and diabetes screening
- Weight monitoring
- Discussion about prostate health and PSA testing (based on risk and family history)
- Colon cancer screening beginning at age 45
Heart disease risk increases during this decade, making regular monitoring especially important.
In Your 50s & 60s
- Ongoing colon cancer screening
- Prostate cancer screening (shared decision-making)
- Continued cholesterol and diabetes monitoring
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (for certain patients)
- Recommended vaccinations
Preventive care during these years helps protect both longevity and quality of life.
65 and Beyond
- Fall risk assessment
- Vision and hearing screening
- Cognitive health checks
- Ongoing cardiovascular monitoring
- Medication reviews
The goal isn’t just living longer — it’s staying active and independent.
Take the First Step
Preventive care isn’t about expecting bad news. It’s about protecting your future. If it’s been a while since your last visit, now is a great time to reconnect. Know your numbers. Ask questions. Talk about family history. This Men’s Health Month, make your health a priority. Call the Medical Clinic at (641) 774-8103 to schedule a conversation with a provider.