As part of Men's Health Month, we want to help fathers, sons, grandfathers and grandsons make great decisions about their health and well-being. The best way to stay healthy well into your later years is to participate in regular screenings. Health screenings catch problems early, before they require large amounts of care. All men should stay up to date on these important screenings.
• Blood pressure screening
High blood pressure is the top risk factor for heart disease. That's why adult men should have their blood pressure checked once a year, preferably at a physician's office. However, if you're at increased risk for heart disease, you may need to have your blood pressure checked more often.
• Cholesterol screening
High cholesterol puts you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke. All men over 35 should have their cholesterol checked at least every two years with a simple blood test. You may need your cholesterol checked more often, or at an earlier age, if you have a family history of heart disease, have diabetes or high blood pressure, smoke, or are obese.
• Diabetes screening
A blood test can check your blood glucose levels. If these levels are elevated, your doctor may order additional testing, such as an A1C test. This simple test uses a small sample of blood to determine your average blood sugar level over the last three months.
Men should have their blood glucose levels checked every year during their annual wellness exam.
• Depression screening
While millions of men suffer from depression each year, many go untreated because of the negative stigma associated with mental illness. Left untreated, depression can affect both your mental and physical health, increasing your risk for heart disease and other serious health issues.
The screening takes only a few minutes and requires answering just a few questions for your physician. If you have any thoughts of suicide, see a physician immediately.
• Prostate exam
Most men over age 50 should undergo a prostate exam to check for signs of prostate cancer, but recommendations vary. Ask your doctor if you need a prostate exam.
You can be screened for prostate cancer in one of two ways. You can have a digital rectal exam where the physician feels your prostate for lumps or swelling. You can also have a blood test to check for prostate-specific antigens. Each test has benefits.
• Colonoscopy
New recommendations from the American Cancer Society say all adults should receive their first colonoscopy at age 45. If the doctor finds no problems, you won't need a screening again for 10 years.
While many men dread a colonoscopy, it's one of the most effective cancer screening tests available and has saved thousands of lives. New techniques make the preparation and test more comfortable than ever before while still delivering effective results.
While seeing the doctor may not be on the top of your to-do list, it's an important part of maintaining your physical, mental and spiritual health. An annual exam (or an appointment to discuss symptoms) can give you the opportunity to ask questions, discuss health issues or changes, and get important screening tests to diagnose - and sometimes prevent - serious health conditions.
It can be hard to know when to see a doctor. If you experience symptoms that interfere with your daily life or are troubling you, schedule an appointment. Your doctor can perform a physical exam and order any necessary tests to get to the bottom of what's causing your symptoms. Some symptoms may even point to a potentially serious underlying condition.
Make your health a priority for yourself, your family and your friends. After all, the sooner you receive timely treatment, the better your physical, mental and spiritual health will be.
- Zoheb Osman, DO, is a family medicine physician with UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group in Hinsdale.
