8 Health Screenings Men Shouldn’t Ignore

Are you one of those guys who can’t remember the last time you stepped foot in a doctor’s office? Sure, maybe you’ve gone in for something urgent, but what about scheduling an annual exam or health screening?

Regular checkups and screening tests aren’t something you can afford to ignore. Baseline tests can help your doctor know how your health is changing over time. Plus, silent killers such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol can wreak havoc on your body and wellbeing.

Here’s a health screening cheat sheet to make your life easier:

Blood Pressure
Starting at age 18 get tested at least every 2 years if your blood pressure is lower than 120/80 or once a year if your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 139/89. Discuss treatment with your doctor if your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.

Diabetes
Starting at age 18, get a health screening if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you currently take high blood pressure medication.

Cholesterol
The American Heart Association recommends that all adults age 20 or older have their cholesterol checked every four to six years.

Colorectal Cancer
Get tested for colorectal cancer from age 50 to 75. This health screening may include one or more tests, such as fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Ask your doctor which test is best for you and how often you need it.

Depression
Ask your doctor about a health screening for depression (at any age) if over the past weeks you have felt sad or hopeless or you have lost interest or pleasure in doing the things you normally enjoy.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Get screened if you were born between 1945 and 1965, received a blood transfusion before 1992, or have ever injected drugs.

Lung Cancer
Get a health screening if you are aged 55 to 80 years, have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

Overweight and Obesity
This is a test you can do yourself. Find your body mass index (BMI) by entering your weight and height into an online BMI calculator.

Feel free to share with your pharmacist your challenges or concerns about weight, blood pressure, anxiety, etc. Think of us as your partners in health. Call to schedule a blood pressure screening or discuss any questions you have about other health screenings.

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.