Men's Health: Staying Healthy At Every Age

Men are often thought of as being strong, powerful and invincible.  Well, that might fit the description of superheroes in comic books but in real life men are mere mortals who are not invincible.  Most men hesitate to see a doctor when something is wrong, so the idea of going to the doctor for annual check ups when they are feeling healthy might seem foolish.  But really strong and powerful men know the secret to a longer life is staying healthy at every age!  Take a look at the recommended guidelines below and contact your health care provider to make an appointment!
20's
Preventive health visits should be every 2 years, and may include:
  • Checking height and weight
  • Screening for alcohol and tobacco use
  • Screening for depression
  • Also have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless it is 120-139/80-89 Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year.
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.
  • After age 19, you should have a tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine once as part of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines. You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.
  • You should get a flu shot each year.
  • You should get the HPV vaccine if you have not already.
Infectious disease screening:
  • Depending on your lifestyle and medical history, you may need to be screened for infections such as syphilis, chlamydia and HIV, as well as other infections.
30's
Preventive health visits should be every 2 years, and may include:
  • Checking height and weight
  • Screening for alcohol and tobacco use
  • Screening for depression
  • Also have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless it is 120-139/80-89 Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year.
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.
  • Men over age 34 should be checked every 5 years for risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, if this runs in your family start getting screened earlier, at age 20.
  • You should get a flu shot each year.
Dental exam:
  • Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.

"To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear."
--Buddha
40's
Preventive health visit every 2 years until age 50, and then once a year, should include:
  • Checking height and weight
  • Screening for alcohol and tobacco use
  • Screening for depression
Prostate cancer screening:
  • Most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their health care provider. African-American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should discuss screening at age 45.
Eye exam:
  • If you have vision problems, have an eye exam every 2 years starting in your 20's otherwise start them annually because as you get older your vision starts to change.
Health and intellect are 
the two blessings of life.
50's and beyond
In addition to all of the exams for each age above, men over age 50 should also get the following exams & screenings:
  • People between ages 50 and 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer.  This may involve:
  • A stool test done every year.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years along with a stool occult blood test.
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years.
  • People with risk factors for colon cancer, such as ulcerative colitis, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or a history of large colorectal adenomas may need a colonoscopy more often.
  • You may get a shingles or herpes zoster vaccination once after age 60.
Osteoporosis screening:
  • All men ages 50 to 70 with risk factors for osteoporosis should discuss screening with their doctor.
Prostate cancer screening:
    • Most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their health care provider. African-American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should discuss screening at age 45.
    Taking care of yourself will definitely make you feel like Superman!  We wish a long and healthy life!

    --TM

    Source


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