During Men’s Health Month or any time of the year, taking care of yourself is essential. One way to do this is by regularly seeing your doctor. Being proactive can help prevent health issues and catch them early during routine visits, especially as you age.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer and heart disease remain among the top leading causes of death for men – underscoring the critical role early detection plays in managing and preventing these conditions.
Regular Check-ups and Screenings Offer Obvious Benefits
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent voluntary panel of experts in primary care, prevention, and evidence-based practice, recommends a roster of regular screenings for men of any age. Below are just a few:
- Blood Pressure – Regular checks help detect hypertension.
- Cholesterol – Checking levels can prevent heart-related issues, especially for men aged 35 and older. Consult your primary care physician to discuss the option of undergoing a low dose CT cardiac calcium score test, which can aid in the early detection of any potential issues.
- Colorectal Cancer – Screening starting at age 45 for average-risk men or earlier based on family history is recommended.
- Type 2 Diabetes – Screening should start at age 35 for men with risk factors such as obesity or family history. Did you know, nutritional counseling services are available through Redeemer Health’s partnership with Simplex Health? To learn more, visit simplexhealth.com or call 1-877-842-2425.
- Prostate Cancer – Discuss the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with a health care professional, especially if you’re 50 or older.
- Lung Cancer – Screening should start at age 50 for current or past smokers. You may be a candidate for a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan, which can detect lung cancer earlier. Click here for more information or call 215-938-LUNG (5864).
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – Start screening at age 65 to 75 if you have ever smoked.
These are only general guidelines and there are others to consider for issues like alcohol use disorder, depression, obesity, tobacco use, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, for example.
Get to Know Your Doctor to Keep Your Health in Check
Consult with your doctor for personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and risk factors. It could help to have additional conversations about diabetes, skin cancer prevention, and a diet designed to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Finally, your doctor can help determine which vaccines may require a booster or re-dose. While vaccines for flu and COVID-19 are top of mind these days, you should also ask about vaccines for pneumonia, Tdap, shingles, meningitis, chicken pox, RSV, and Hepatitis A and B.
To find a doctor who is right for you, visit Redeemer Health’s physician directory or call the Redeemer Health Physician Referral Service at 800-818-4747.
