June is Men's Health Month and some providers still are trying to convince men to make room for wellness visits on their calendars. Ascension Saint Thomas physicians want to encourage men to take care of themselves and avoid putting off routine visits.
Below are the most important men's health screenings they suggest to stay on top of your health:
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Physical exam: Start at age 18. A physical exam may include: checking your height, weight and body mass index, discussing healthy lifestyle practices, updating your vaccinations, talking about health issues or medical concerns you have, asking about your diet plan, exercise routine, and alcohol and tobacco use, asking if you’re experiencing any issues with anxiety and depression, and anything else that may be relevant to your health.
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Colon cancer screening: Start at age 45 if you have a family history of colon polyps or cancer, otherwise, you can start going from ages 50 to 75. Screenings for colorectal cancer help your doctor determine if you have the disease or if precancerous polyps are present before symptoms occur.
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Lung cancer screening: Ages 50 to 80 if you smoke, stopped smoking within the past 15 years, or have a 20-plus year smoking history. The USPSTF notes that smoking and age are the two most important risk factors for developing lung cancer, which is why screenings using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) are recommended annually.
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Blood pressure screening: Ages 18 and older. Blood pressure checks help ensure your blood pressure is under control. They allow your doctor to set you up on a treatment plan right away to reduce high blood pressure if it's found during screening.
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Skin cancer screening: Ages 18 to 24 or ages 18 and older if you have fair skin.This screening is aimed at ensuring people limit their exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which increases the risk of developing the disease.
