Simply put, proactive, preventive care for men saves lives. It can be one of the most effective ways to catch diseases that often fly under the radar. This includes diabetes, certain cancers, and high blood pressure. And early detection often makes a condition more treatable.
Yet statistics say many men don’t take this to heart. According to a 2023 survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, nearly half of men skip a yearly physical. Additionally, approximately just half of American men have been screened for major age-related cancers like prostate and colorectal.
Men should consider their bodies as their daily driver. Most guys don’t think twice about changing their vehicle’s oil regularly. Going to your YourTown Health primary care provider for periodic tune-ups and inspections can help you stay road-ready for life’s ongoing journey.
Just in time for June, YourTown Health offers the following Men’s Health Month checklist:
The Cardiovascular Dashboard
Sometimes your car might be running just fine, but an invisible issue may be lurking somewhere beneath the hood. The same goes for your cardiovascular system. Keeping tabs on your blood pressure can allow you to roadblock hypertension early. A lipid/cholesterol panel helps calculate cardiovascular risks. Understanding your body mass index can help your physician determine if you’re obese, which can place you at a high risk for cardiovascular problems. This includes stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart disease, and congestive heart failure. Checking your blood glucose can catch prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, which can lead to cardiovascular issues.
When Should You Screen for Cancers?
If you ignore the check engine light on your dashboard, it can lead to big-time car trouble. Act quickly, and you can avoid the tow truck. Cancer signs are similar to the human body. Recognize them early when they’re most treatable, and you have a better chance of overcoming the disease. Screenings aid providers in spotting certain cancers, and men should be aware of age-related cancer screening guidelines, such as those from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). For example, colorectal cancer screening guidelines suggest regular screenings, such as non-invasive stool tests and colonoscopies, begin at age 45 for those at average risk. A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test can help spot prostate cancer. For men aged 55 to 69, guidelines recommend having a conversation with your doctor to make an individualized decision about whether regular screening is right for you. If you fall into a high-risk category for prostate cancer, including Black men or those with a family history, ask your doctor if you should begin these conversations at an earlier age.
Mental Health and Lifestyle Baseline Checks
Like Formula 1 drivers, we should all be in optimal mental health and lead a healthy lifestyle in order to operate at our best. Don’t hesitate to ask for an anxiety and depression screening during your primary care visit. Allow your provider to help you review lifestyle choices, including alcohol intake, tobacco or vape use, and sleep quality, and any changes you’ve noticed during routine skin or testicular self-exams. Make sure to be honest. Like any ace mechanic, your doctor has seen and heard it all. Transparency can heighten your quality of life.
Let YourTown Health Check Your Engine
Take a proactive role in your health by discussing your health screening schedule with a YourTown Health provider. One of our physicians can help formulate your annual physical checklist according to men’s health screening guidelines. Make an appointment by finding a location near you or messaging us online.
