Taking care of your health isn’t just about eating right, staying active, or hitting the gym – it also means keeping an eye on what’s happening inside your body. Many health issues that affect men, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even certain cancers, can quietly develop without any obvious signs or symptoms. That’s why regular health checks and screenings are so important – they help catch problems early, when they’re much easier to treat or even prevent.
Unfortunately, many men tend to skip their regular check-ups or wait until they’re really feeling sick before seeing a doctor. But the truth is, prevention is better than cure. By staying on top of your health with routine tests, you’re not only protecting yourself from serious illness – you’re also making sure you can keep doing the things you love, whether it’s work, sports, or spending time with your family and friends.
This guide breaks down the key health checks every man should get, when to get them, and why they matter. From simple blood pressure checks to cancer screenings, knowing what to watch out for can make all the difference in living a longer, healthier life.
1. Cholesterol Test
High cholesterol raises your risk of heart disease and stroke; so, it’s important to get your levels checked every 4-6 years starting at age 20. If you have risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or a family history of heart problems, you may need testing more often. The test measures LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
2. Blood Sugar (Diabetes) Test
Type 2 diabetes can develop without symptoms and lead to serious health problems if not detected early. It’s recommended to start testing at age 35 and repeat every 3 years, or earlier if you’re overweight or have risk factors like a family history of high blood pressure. Common tests include fasting blood sugar or the HbA1c test.
3. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal (colon) cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, but it’s highly treatable when detected early. Screening should begin at age 45 and can be done through a colonoscopy every 10 years or with stool-based tests every 1-3 years, depending on the type. It’s best to talk to your doctor to decide which screening method is right for you.
4. Prostate Health Check
Prostate issues, including cancer, become more common as men get older, so it’s important to monitor prostate health. It’s recommended to talk to your doctor about screening around age 50, or earlier if you’re at higher risk, such as having a family history or being African American. Screening may involve a (PSA) prostate specific antigen blood test and possibly a digital rectal exam (DRE).
5. Eye Vision Check
Vision problems can develop gradually and may also indicate other health issues, so regular eye exams are important. It’s recommended to have your eyes checked every 1-2 years after age 40, or earlier if you have existing eye problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure. These exams typically assess vision sharpness, eye pressure, and check for signs of eye diseases like glaucoma.
6. Hearing Test
Hearing loss can impact communication and safety, especially as you get older, so regular hearing checks are important. It’s recommended to have a hearing test every 3-5 years after age 50, or sooner if you notice any changes. The test measures your ability to hear different sounds and tones.
7. Mental Health Check
Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress can affect your physical well-being, yet many men hesitate to talk about them. It’s important to check in on your mental health during your yearly check-up or anytime you’re feeling emotionally off. Your doctor may ask simple questions about your mood, sleep, and daily activities to help assess your mental well-being.
Key Takeaway:
- Don’t wait for symptoms – many health issues are silent in the early stages.
- Build a relationship with your doctor – regular visits make it easier to stay on top of your health.
- Be honest about your habits – smoking, drinking, diet, and activity level help your doctor give better advice.
Taking a little time for health checks can help you stay strong and active for years to come. Prevention is always better than cure!
· https://healthmatters.nyp.org/the-6-essential-health-exams-every-man-needs/
· https://www.uabmedicine.org/news/seven-health-screenings-every-man-should-get-and-when/#
· https://www.doctoranywhere.ph/post/4-health-checks-all-men-should-do
· https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/health-screening-men-ages-40-to-64
· https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
· https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/does-medicare-cover-doctor-visits#takeaway