It’s National Men’s Health Month – time for men to pay attention to their health before small, unnoticed issues become critical ones. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and other health groups encourage men to prioritize wellness visits to a physician and have regular screenings to find serious health problems early.

“Forming a strong relationship and a genuine, trusted connection with your physician will make you more likely to want to return each year as recommended,” said Julia M. Fiorentino, M.D., of Aultman Medical Group North Canton Medical Center Internal Medicine. “Make your health and well-being a priority and do not delay your routine medical care.”

Men should ask their physician or healthcare provider about tests for the following:

• Body mass index (BMI). Men should get their BMI measured each year to help find out if they are at a healthy weight for their height.

• Eye exam. Men should get an eye exam at least every two years if they don't have eye-related health concerns or conditions. For those at high risk for eye-related diseases or conditions, a physician or healthcare provider may recommend a more complete eye exam more often.

• High blood pressure. All men aged 20 and older should have their blood pressure checked yearly or more often if recommended by a physician or healthcare provider.

• High cholesterol. Younger adults should be screened every four to six years starting at age 20. Men ages 45 to 65 should be screened every one to two years. Cholesterol testing may be recommended at an earlier age or more frequently depending on health conditions or risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of heart disease.

• Diabetes. Men should get a blood glucose test for diabetes if they have higher-than-normal cholesterol, high blood pressure or a BMI over 25. They should also have this test if they have signs of diabetes. These include being thirsty often, needing to urinate often, being very tired or having numb or tingling hands or feet and blurred vision. Healthy men should get screened every three years starting at age 35.

• Hepatitis C. All adults ages 18 through 79 should be screened at least one time for hepatitis C.

• Prostate cancer screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations are under review, but the organization currently recommends that men ages 55 to 69 should discuss the benefits and drawbacks of periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening with their physician or healthcare provider.

• Colorectal cancer. Men at average risk for colorectal cancer should get their first screening at age 45. Some men should start screening earlier because of their personal history or family history. Several tests are available and are used at different times. Men should talk with their physician or healthcare provider about which tests are most appropriate, based on their lifestyle, health and family history.

• Cardiovascular screening. A one-time screen for an abdominal aortic aneurysm with ultrasound is recommended for men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked or who have a first-degree relative – parent, sibling or child – with a history of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

  In addition, if you are age 45 or older and depending on your risk factors, your physician or healthcare provider may recommend cardiac screening such as cardiac CT imaging for calcium scoring. Many studies have shown that this test may predict future risk of a heart attack. Your physician or healthcare provider may also recommend screening for cardiac risk markers that help determine your risk of future cardiac disease.

• Lung cancer screening. Annual low-dose CT screening for lung cancer is recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20-pack-per-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

If you are looking for a physician, Aultman Medical Group Primary Care has more than 80 physicians and healthcare providers ready to take care of you and your family. Many of our offices are accepting new patients – and more than likely, we have a location in your community.

Visit aultman.org/NewDoc to find a provider in your area who is accepting new patients, or call the new patient hotline at 330-433-1264 for assistance with scheduling your appointment.

Sources:
Aultman Health System
The StayWell Company, LLC
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force