June is Men’s Health Month, a crucial time to emphasize the importance of preventive screenings. These screenings can help detect health issues early, improving outcomes and potentially saving lives. Here’s a detailed look at the key screenings every man should consider depending on their age.
Key Screenings and Age Recommendations
Blood Pressure Screening
Why it’s important: Elevated blood pressure often shows no symptoms, yet it can lead to serious health issues if left unchecked. Healthy blood pressure is typically 120/80 mmHg.
Age recommendation: Start at age 20 and check annually.
Colon Cancer Screening
Why it’s important: Colon cancer can develop without showing any symptoms so early detection has been shown to significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Age recommendation: Begin screenings at age 45, or earlier if you are symptomatic or have a family history of early-age diagnosis.
Cholesterol Screening
Why it’s important: High cholesterol can silently form plaques in your arteries, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, peripheral artery disease, erectile dysfunction, and high blood pressure.
Age recommendation: Start at age 20 and check annually.
Diabetes Screening
Why it’s important: Elevated blood sugar levels are linked to cardiovascular diseases and can affect brain, hormone, and neurological health. Chronic high blood sugar has also had evidence to show an association with Alzheimer’s Dementia, often referred to as Type 3 Diabetes.
Age recommendation: Start at age 20 and check annually.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Why it’s important: Symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, incomplete bladder voiding, and incontinence can indicate prostate issues. Early screening can help detect enlargement or cancer, leading to better treatment outcomes.
Age recommendation: Begin at age 50, or earlier if you are symptomatic or have risk factors.
Basic Blood Labs and Metabolic Panel
Why it’s important: These tests provide a snapshot of your overall organ health, including liver, kidney, blood and immune cells, electrolytes, and protein status. Abnormalities can indicate deeper health issues that need addressing.
Age recommendation: Conduct annually starting at age 20 as part of routine screenings.
This outline is not exhaustive and includes common conditions and screenings typically assessed in standard medical settings. All health questions or concerns should be addressed by your individual prescribing physician.
Prioritizing these screenings can lead to early detection and better management of potential health issues, significantly impacting your overall well-being. Remember, your health is your wealth—make preventive screenings a part of your routine health care.
As Men’s Health Month draws to a close, take a proactive approach to your health. Schedule your preventive screenings and encourage the men in your life to do the same. Early detection can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
Patients can schedule screenings by contacting us at 623-334-4000 or online at HERE.
Are you a current Redirect Health member? Simply contact us in the Redirect Health Member App to get your screening scheduled! Download the app at www.RedirectHealth.com/App