Men tend to be notorious for not talking about their health. Aches, pains, and discomfort become something to just power through. During the month of June, Lucas County Health Center would like to remind the community (and men) that preventative care can go a long way in helping improve the quality of life and catching disease while there is still time for treatment.
Today the life expectancy for your average male is 76 years; for females, it is 81 years. The World Health Organization says women tend to live longer because they take better care of their health and are more likely to seek care and continue care once diagnosed.
June is the perfect opportunity for men to take control of their health and for the women in their lives to play a role in reminding men to take charge.
Lucas County Health Center provides the following maintenance schedule for men as a reminder to take responsibility for their health. Regular checkups and age-appropriate screenings CAN improve your health and reduce premature death and disability.
Health Checklist For Every Age:
- Know your history. Find out what health conditions run in both sides of your family. Sharing your personal and family history will help your provider determine your risk level for particular conditions or diseases.
- Get a yearly physical, including blood pressure check, labs if recommended, and weight recording. Yearly visits are the best way to detect any changes in your health before they develop into bigger issues.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Keeping off excess weight can safeguard you from developing long-term health issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and sleep apnea.
- Quit smoking. If you are a smoker, quitting should be a top priority in your life. If you quit smoking, your risk of cancer and other diseases will decrease significantly. Talk to your provider about resources that can help you quit.
Health Checklist in Your Twenties:
- Cover the basics. Find a provider you trust and discuss your medical concerns honestly. Understand your family medical history and share this with your provider. Make sure to schedule regular medical check-ups and screenings.
- Monthly screenings/exams: Testicular self-exam
- Annual exams:
- Yearly physical that includes blood pressure check and blood test
- STD screening if you are sexually active
- Vision screening
- Every 5 years (starting at age 25): Cholesterol testing
- As needed: Skin check
Health Checklist in Your Thirties:
- Annual exams:
- Yearly physical that includes blood pressure check and blood test
- STD screening if you are sexually active
- Vision screening
- Every 5 years:
- Blood sugar test
- Cholesterol test (more often if you are overweight)
- If needed: Fertility testing
HealthChecklist in Your Forties:
- Annual:
- Yearly physical that includes blood pressure check, blood test, and cholesterol testing
- Prostate exam (if family history)
- Eye disease screening
- Every 5 years: (or more frequently if recommended)
- Blood sugar testing (annually if overweight or high risk)
- Colonoscopy (for high risk men – based on family history or symptoms)
- Talk to your provider about heart disease screening
Health Checklist in Your Fifties and Beyond:
- Annual:
- Yearly physical that includes blood pressure check, blood test, and cholesterol testing
- Prostate cancer screening discussion
- Eye disease screening
- Coronary screening
- Screening for Type II Diabetes
- Skin check
- Every 3 years:
- Osteoporosis screening
- Blood sugar testing (annually if overweight or high risk)
- Every 10 years:
- Colonoscopy (every 5 years if high risk)
- Talk to your provider about EKG testing if you have certain risk factors, including high cholesterol, obesity, family history, etc.)
Talk to your healthcare provider to discuss if this screening schedule is appropriate for you. Make sure you mention a family history of disease and ask if you are a member of a high risk group.
Men – take time to slow down this month and show everyone in your life you care about them by taking care of yourself. If it’s been awhile since you’ve been to the doctor for a check-up, pick up the phone and schedule a visit.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call LCHC Medical Clinic at (641) 774-8103 or visit lchcia.com.
Resource: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force