Hey Guys — Don’t Forget Your Screenings
June 1, 2023
Summer is a busy time of year for men, no question about that. With warm weather and bright sunshine, this is the perfect time to get some work done around the house or spend some time outside with friends and family — whether you’re on the links, at the lake, or just relaxing on a backyard patio. Between all the chores and recreation of summertime, losing track of your regularly scheduled healthcare screenings can be too easy.
Unfortunately, your health status doesn’t take a summer vacation. So, to ensure you have many more summers to enjoy with the people you love the most, schedule the following routine health screenings and catch minor issues before they become big problems.
- General health and wellness exams — This is an excellent chance for you and your primary care provider to catch up and discuss any health-related questions or concerns you may have. During this appointment, you and your provider may also work to create a long-term wellness plan personalized to your health and any pre-existing conditions. Contact your provider to find out how often checkups should be scheduled.
- Blood tests and urinalysis — These exams can be used to detect numerous medical conditions. Blood tests can reveal conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, while a urinalysis can reveal urinary tract infections as well as complications of the kidneys and liver. Both exams can be completed at the Culbertson Memorial Hospital Laboratory and should be scheduled every three years from ages 18-39, every two years from 40-49, and once annually beginning at 50.
- Blood pressure test — Measuring arterial pressure with each heartbeat, a blood pressure test can reveal hypertension and other issues related to blood pressure, allowing you and your provider to create an immediate treatment plan. These tests should be scheduled every two years beginning at 18.
- Breast exam — Breast cancer affects men too; though occurring less frequently than in women, the American Cancer Society estimates about 2,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2023. Monthly self-exams should be a part of your routine beginning at 18, or they may be part of your routine checkups.
- Cholesterol test — Also known as a lipid panel or lipid profile, a cholesterol test is a simple blood draw that measures the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream. High cholesterol does not have any symptoms, so checking levels routinely is crucial. Men with known risks for coronary heart disease should begin screening at age 20; all others should schedule tests every five years beginning at 35.
- Colonoscopy — Early detection is the most effective way to treat colorectal cancer before it can become more problematic. During a colonoscopy, the doctor can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they threaten your health. Colonoscopies are generally quick procedures, usually done in about 30 minutes while you’re sedated. This procedure should be scheduled once every 10 years beginning at age 45.
- Eye exam — Vision problems can develop over time. Some may notice a marked change in eyesight, while for others, it can be a more gradual change. Eye exams should be scheduled every two to four years beginning at 40, one to three years from 50-64, and every one to two years beginning at 65.
- Flu vaccine — The flu may be one of those conditions to which we’ve grown accustomed as a minor seasonal annoyance, but the truth is this virus can have dire consequences for more vulnerable segments of the population. Because prevalent flu viruses can change from one season to the next, schedule a flu vaccination once every year to minimize the spread and reduce the severity of the flu.
- Hearing test — Just as eyesight can slip over time, so too can hearing. If you feel your hearing has gotten worse over time, Dr. Paul Conrad at the Culbertson Ear, Nose, & Throat Clinic can help. Schedule an exam every 10 years from ages 18-49, then discuss further visits with your primary care provider beginning at 50.
- Mental health exam — Mental health is just as important as physical health. Left untreated, conditions like depression and anxiety can have major repercussions. If you don’t feel like yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out — talk with your healthcare provider about scheduling regular mental health screenings.
- Oral/dental exam — Take care of that smile! Check for cavities, gingivitis, and other dental issues with an exam and cleaning once every six months beginning at 18.
- Pneumococcal vaccine — This one-time vaccination protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae to prevent diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. Schedule this immunization once you turn 65.
- Prostate exam — Found only in biological stocmales, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in men, aside from skin cancer. If you notice any symptoms of prostate cancer, such as frequent or interrupted urination, blood in urine or semen, or painful urination or ejaculation, talk to your primary care provider about scheduling a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Tetanus/diphtheria booster — Also known as the Td vaccine, this immunization can prevent tetanus from developing in open wounds as well as mitigating the spread of diphtheria from person to person. Schedule your Td vaccine once every 10 years beginning at 18.