National Men’s Health Week comes around every year during the week that ends with Father’s Day. That makes June the perfect month for men (or the people who love them) to schedule a physical to help safeguard their health for another year.
This year National Men’s Health Week runs from June 15 through June 21. Here are some standard tests every man should have, whether it's that week or any time of the year, to protect his health:
Body Mass Index
This measurement checks more than just your weight. Your BMI measures your body fat, based on your height and weight.
You can use an online BMI calculator to find out where your BMI falls on a scale of underweight, normal, overweight or obese. Excess weight can increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can damage your heart as it has to work harder to pump blood. It can also cause serious damage to other vital organs, including the kidneys, and may increase your risk for stroke. High blood pressure may also be an indicator for diabetes.
All adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every two years if it is in the normal range, which means a reading of 120/80 mm Hg or lower.
Get your blood pressure checked more frequently if it is high. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help control your high blood pressure.
Cholesterol
All men age 35 and up should have blood drawn to check their cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Start this test at age 20 if you have risk factors for heart disease. With this test, you want high levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and low levels of LDL (bad cholesterol).
Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL is considered to be normal. High cholesterol and triglycerides can increase your risk for heart disease. Your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend changes to your diet and exercise plans, to improve your cholesterol levels.
Blood sugar
Abnormally high blood sugar can indicate diabetes. Blood tests to check sugar levels are recommended if you are overweight or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Diabetes means the cells in your body cannot use sugar for energy the way they should. Excess sugar in your blood can cause serious damage throughout your body.
Colonoscopy
This physical exam is used to screen for colorectal cancer, typically starting at age 50. During a colonoscopy, you will be asleep while the doctor inserts a small camera into your colon to look for signs of cancer or colon polyps that may later become cancerous.
Polyps are removed during the procedure and tested for abnormal cells. If no polyps or cancerous cells are found, you’ll need another colonoscopy in 10 years. If you have polyps, you may need to repeat the procedure more often.
Prostate cancer test
If you have symptoms that may indicate an enlarged prostate or if you have a history of prostate cancer in your family, talk to your doctor about the best test to check for prostate cancer. Men age 50 and older will typically need this screening once a year.
The digital rectal exam enables the doctor to feel the prostate for abnormalities. Prostate specific antigen is a blood test that can indicate prostate cancer or other noncancerous conditions such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.
PSA is most often of benefit for men between the ages of 50 and 70, as well as younger men who are at increased risk for prostate cancer.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have smoked a total of 100 or more cigarettes in their lives should have an ultrasound to check for AAA, according to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge or weak spot in the wall of a large blood vessel in the abdomen. This weak spot can burst without warning, which may be deadly.
In addition to regular testing, men aged 50 and older should also get a flu shot every year unless your doctor recommends otherwise. You should also get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years starting at age 50. And get a one-time pneumonia vaccination at age 65.
Also, if you are between the ages of 45 and 80, ask your doctor if you should take aspirin every day to help reduce your risk of a heart attack.
If you are thinking that this is all too much to keep track of, there is an easy solution. Schedule an annual physical exam with your family doctor every year. He or she can recommend the appropriate tests for your age, family history and overall health.
Getting tested may not sound like fun. But it can be the best possible use of your time if just one test gives you and your doctor the opportunity for early detection and treatment of a serious or life-threatening health condition.
Sources:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Get Preventive Tests. Web. June 8, 2015.
http://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/healthy-men/t...
Healthline. Medical Tests Every Man Should Have. Treacy Colbert. Web. June 8, 2015.
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/top-10-tests-men-should-get#1
WebMD. Routine Tests for Men. Web. June 8, 2015.
http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/features/routine-tests-men?page=2
WebMD. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test. Web. June 8, 2015.
http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/guide/psa
Reviewed June 9, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith