A Quick Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness

Men of all ages face unique health threats, but the good news is that you can help take control with healthy behaviors and regular screenings.

To help you stay on top of your health, below are some preventive health guidelines based on recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force, American Cancer Society, and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Preventive health guidelines:

 

PREVENTIVE HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR MEN 18 - 40

Summit Health recommends a comprehensive examination with your physician on a regular basis. Frequency should be based on your health history and personal risk factors. Studies have shown that counseling and screening for risk factors and receiving preventive health services is the best way to stay healthy.

Based on recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the American Cancer Society, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, your Summit Health primary care physician will offer the following during your periodic preventive visit: 

Risk Factor Review & Counseling Screening Tests* Preventive Services**
History of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use Blood pressure, height, and weight check Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (combination vaccine)
Physical activity and dietary habits Cholesterol testing  
Family history Electrocardiogram if needed  
Current and past medical history Blood tests to screen for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, and anemia as needed  
Comprehensive review of medication HIV testing as needed  

*Screening tests may vary based on age and personal risk factors.
**Other immunizations may be recommended based on individual health factors and habits

 

PREVENTIVE HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR MEN 40 - 50

Summit Health recommends a comprehensive examination with your physician on a regular basis. Frequency should be based on your health history and personal risk factors. Studies have shown that counseling and screening for risk factors and receiving preventive health services is the best way to stay healthy.

Risk Factor Review & Counseling Screening Tests* Preventive Services**
History of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use Blood pressure, height, and weight check Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (combination vaccine) / every 10 years
Physical activity and dietary habits Cholesterol testing  
Family history Electrocardiogram if needed  
Current and past medical history Blood tests to screen for conditions such as thyroid disease and anemia as needed  
Comprehensive review of medication HIV testing as needed  
Discussion on prevention of cardiovascular disease Diabetes screening  

*Screening tests may vary based on age and personal risk factors.
**Other immunizations may be recommended based on individual health factors and habits.

 

PREVENTIVE HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR MEN 50 - 65

Summit Health recommends a comprehensive examination with your physician on a regular basis. Frequency should be based on your health history and personal risk factors. Studies have shown that counseling and screening for risk factors and receiving preventive health services is the best way to stay healthy.

Based on recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the American Cancer Society, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, your Summit Health primary care physician will offer the following during your periodic preventive visit: 

Risk Factor Review & Counseling Screening Tests* Preventive Services**
History of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use Blood pressure, height, and weight check Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (combination vaccine) / every 10 years
Physical activity and dietary habits Cholesterol testing  
Family history Electrocardiogram if needed Flu shot (annually)
Current and past medical history Blood tests to screen for conditions such as thyroid disease and anemia as needed  
Comprehensive review of medication HIV testing as needed  
Discussion on prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer Diabetes screening  
  Colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer every ten years  

*Screening tests may vary based on age and personal risk factors.
**Other immunizations as needed based on individual health factors and habits.

 

PREVENTIVE HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR MEN OVER 65

Summit Health recommends a comprehensive examination with your physician on a regular basis. Frequency should be based on your health history and personal risk factors. Studies have shown that counseling and screening for risk factors and receiving preventive health services is the best way to stay healthy.

Based on recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the American Cancer Society, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, your Summit Health primary care physician will offer the following during your periodic preventive visit: 

Risk Factor Review & Counseling Screening Tests* Preventive Services**
History of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use Blood pressure, height, and weight check Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (combination vaccine) / every 10 years
Physical activity and dietary habits Cholesterol testing Flu shot (annually)
Family history Electrocardiogram if needed Pneumonia vaccine ***
Current and past medical history Blood tests to screen for conditions such as thyroid disease and anemia as needed Herpes Zoster (shingles) vaccine (one time)
Comprehensive review of medication HIV testing as needed  
Discussion on prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer Diabetes screening  
  Colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer every ten years  

*Screening tests may vary based on age and personal risk factors.
**Other immunizations may be recommended based on individual health factors and habits
***There are 2 types of pneumonia vaccines (PCV 13 and PPSV 23).  Men over 64 should receive both.

 

TOP 10 THREATS TO MEN’S HEALTH

Data from the January 2017 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Vital Statistics report show that the leading causes of death for men are:

  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Accidents

In addition, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Health survey shows that 36.6% of men in the United States are obese and 33.1% of men aged 20 years or older have high blood pressure.

The good news is that many threats to men’s health are preventable. For example, healthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors can help men lose or maintain a healthy weight as well as improve their heart and colon health. Not smoking or stopping smoking can prevent tobacco-related cancers of the lung, prostate, and colon as well as reduce a man's risk of stroke.

LIVE WELL, STAY WELL TIPS FOR MEN

If you're a man, here are some important ways you can protect your health:

  • Eat a balanced diet that is high in fiber, low in fat, and emphasizes moderate portions
  • Maintain a healthy weight to decrease your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure
  • Stay active and fit
  • Stop smoking
  • Reduce stress
  • Wear your seat belt every time you are in the car and use a bike helmet when biking
  • Keep vaccinations up to date
  • Have routine examinations and screenings

Other preventive steps include using sunscreen to reduce risk for skin cancer, drinking alcohol in moderation to protect the liver and overall health, and using seat belts and helmets to help prevent unnecessary injuries.

To help you stay on top of your health, Summit Health offers screening for:

If you are unsure where to start, our Family Practice and Internal Medicine physicians can help. They can answer many questions about men’s health, perform routine health checkups, provide counseling, and offer education about healthy lifestyle choices.