Happy early Father’s Day! It’s coming up this Sunday, June 17. What else is going on? June is also Men’s Health Month.

So, to celebrate all the men in our lives, including members of our dedicated team of medical professionals and the men we serve at four locations across the northwest metro, we’ve put together this guide to men’s health.

So, use them yourself, or pass them along to a guy in your life. Give the gift of health this June!

First Things First - Yes, You Do Need to Visit the Doctor

It’s a well-documented fact - men go to the doctor less often than women. In fact, three times less often.

But the rationales many men give - I feel fine, I’m too busy - often don’t add up.

After all, most men wouldn’t let their car go 20,000 miles without an oil change.

Your body needs a regular check-up, too.

Why? Prevention really is the best medicine.

Here’s what your doctor will be looking for at each age, plus tests and procedures to make sure you’re getting done.

Remember, these are general recommendations. Depending on your health, your provider may recommend that you have various tests performed more often, or additional screenings. Talk to your provider if you have questions about what’s right for you.

20s and 30s

The most important thing to do as a young adult is to get in the habit of seeing the doctor. Get your baseline health numbers established so that you have them to refer back to and compare to throughout your life.

Your 20s are also a great time to take care of your mental health.

What else? Definitely get a flu shot. And stay on top of other immunizations. You may not be a kid anymore, but you still need some booster shots. We’re lucky to live in an age where so many serious diseases are preventable - don’t get lockjaw simply because you forgot to get your tetanus-diphtheria booster! 

Screenings in your 20s and 30s:

• Dentist - Schedule regular cleanings every 6 months to year.
• Eye doctor - If you have vision problems, see the eye doctor every 2 years.
• Blood pressure - Get it checked every 3-5 yrs - unless it’s high, then you’ll need to have it checked every year.
• Cholesterol - Get it checked every 3-5 years, starting at age 35. This is tied to heart disease prevention.

40s and 50s

In your 40s and 50s, you’ll want to focus on maintaining your health. Is the life you’re living giving you the health results you want?

Screenings in your 40s and 50s:

• Dentist - Schedule regular cleanings every 6 months to year.
• Eye doctor - If you have vision problems, see the eye doctor every 2 years.
• Hearing - See an audiologist if you experience hearing issues.
• Blood pressure - Get it checked every year.
• Diabetes screening  - Get one every 3 years starting at age 45.
• Colon cancer screening - All men ages 50-75 should be screened regularly. If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, or risk factors for colon cancer, you should be screened sooner. Colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Want to separate the fact from fiction? Here are 8 common myths about colon cancer, courtesy of UT Southwestern Medical Center.

60s and Beyond

It’s time to refocus on your well-being. Stay mentally sharp, get active, and get screened for skin cancer.

What can you expect from health screenings?

Screenings in your 60s and beyond:

• Dentist - Schedule regular cleanings every 6 months to year.
• Eye doctor - Get an eye exam every year or two.
• Hearing - Get your hearing tested if you have symptoms of hearing loss.
• Blood pressure - Get it checked every year.
• Cholesterol - Get it checked every 5 years, more often if you have high cholesterol or other risk factors.
• Colon cancer screening - Get one regularly (frequency depends on type).

If you are or have been a smoker, you may also need to start these screenings:

• Between ages 65 and 75, you should have an ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
• If you have smoked 30 packs a year and currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years, you should have an annual lung screening through age 80.

How Will You Care for Your Health This Month?  

Cultivating good habits is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Another important part of the picture? Scheduling regular appointments with your doctor.

In addition to addressing any acute symptoms you’re experiencing, these appointments are also critical for preventive care. Invest in yourself this Men’s Health Month. Schedule an appointment today by calling (763) 587-7999 or requesting one online.