Men’s Health Milestones: For Every Stage of Life

Keeping track of which tests, vaccines, and screenings that you need can be overwhelming. There are plenty of things to consider—your age, family and personal health history, race, weight, and more. Yet keeping up with those preventive measures can help you stay healthy and prevent illness or disease.

According to a 2021 survey, 60% of men did not visit a family doctor or general practitioner for preventive care in the last 12 months—meaning important and potentially life-saving tests and screenings were put off. Knowing what to do for your health during every stage of your life is paramount.

All Ages

When you visit your Primary Care provider for an annual wellness visit, there are a few things they should check or discuss with you every time.

• Blood pressure
• Family health history
• Risk-taking behavior
• Substance abuse
• Mental health concerns

In Your 20s and 30s

In your early adulthood, you may feel completely healthy and not see the need to visit your doctor every year. However, it’s critical to put preventive measures in place for later in life. This is a good time to establish a relationship with your Primary Care provider so they can begin to learn your habits, medical history, lifestyle, and more. In your 20s and 30s, you’ll need:

• A flu shot, every year
• A tetanus booster, every 10 years
• Whooping cough vaccine (if you have not gotten one)
• HPV vaccine if you’re younger than 26
• Sexually transmitted disease testing each year for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis if you’re sexually active
• Cholesterol testing every four to six years. If you have any cardiac risk factors such as heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, you may need your cholesterol checked more often

Talk to your doctor about:

• Your alcohol and drug use
• How to manage your weight, heart health, and stress
• Your diet, exercise, and sleep habits
• Your sexual history/activity

In Your 40s and 50s

As you age, your risk of cardiovascular events increases. In your 40s and 50s, you need to start monitoring your blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol more carefully. It’s important to stay active and eat a healthy diet, as your metabolism significantly slows down during this stage of life. At these ages, you’ll need:

• A flu shot, every year
• A tetanus booster, every 10 years
• A shingles vaccine at age 50
• Sexually transmitted disease testing, depending on sexual activity and orientation
• Screening for type 2 diabetes every three years, if you’re overweight or obese
• Colon and rectal cancer screenings starting at age 45, if you’re at average risk
• Prostate cancer screenings starting at age 40 if you have a family history of the disease, 45 if you’re Black, and 50 if you have no family history and are not Black
• Cholesterol testing every four to six years, depending on your risk factors

Talk to your doctor about:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Diet and weight management methods

In Your 60s and Beyond

As you enter retirement and post-retirement age, paying attention to and prioritizing your health becomes very important. Aging makes you more susceptible to disease and disability, so a large part of healthy aging is lifestyle choices. Be sure to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise—just 30 minutes a day can increase your lifespan. Additionally, in your 60s+, you’ll need:

• A flu shot, every year
• A tetanus booster, every 10 years
• A shingles vaccine (if you haven’t gotten one)
• Pneumococcal vaccine at 65
• Sexually transmitted disease testing, depending on sexual activity and orientation
• Screening for type 2 diabetes every three years, if you’re overweight or obese
• Cholesterol testing every four to six years, depending on your risk factors

Talk to your doctor about:

• Whether or not to continue screenings for colon and rectal and prostate cancers
• Erectile dysfunction/maintaining sexual intimacy
• Any medications you’re taking
• Diet and weight management methods
• Lung cancer screening if you’re a current or former smoker

Don’t wait to prioritize your health. By keeping up with regular screenings, tests, vaccinations, and annual visits, you can take control of your health and live well. Our Primary Care providers are here to evaluate and treat your needs. Make an appointment with Primary Care today. Call 240-215-6310.