June is Men’s Health Month: Dedicate More Time Towards Your Well-Being

This year’s Men’s Health Month focuses on the theme of a new decade. With a new decade comes the opportunity to be reflective and prospective and evaluate how we have been dealing with our health, both physical and mental. In general, men are half as likely to visit the doctor for a check-up as women are — over 7 million American men have not seen a doctor in over 10 years. Additionally, as a result of dedicating less time to their personal health, male life expectancy is about 5 years less than women. 

There are several times in his life a man should be getting routine appointments with his health care provider to ensure that he is maintaining good health, even if in “perfect” shape. Dedicating time for regular check-ups and appointments mean taking responsibility for your health and well-being, especially in the time of Coronavirus. Here’s a breakdown of each decade of a man’s life, and when he should be getting certain check-ups with his healthcare provider:

20s

• Every year – a physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test & urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam
• Every 5 years – TB skin test
• Every 10 years – Tetanus booster

30s

• Every year – a physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test & urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam, electrocardiogram (EKG) for heart abnormalities
• Every 5 years – TB skin test
• Every 10 years – Tetanus booster

40s

• Every year – a physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test & urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam, electrocardiogram (EKG) for heart abnormalities, prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, hemoccult test
• Every 5 years – TB skin test
• Every 10 years – Tetanus booster With physician’s discretion – chest x-ray, testosterone screening

50+

• Every year – a physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test & urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam, electrocardiogram (EKG) for heart abnormalities, prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, hemoccult test
• Every 5 years – TB skin test
• Every 10 years – Tetanus booster With physician’s discretion – chest x-ray, testosterone screening, bone density screening

During Men’s Health Month, it’s important to emphasize each of these screenings and check-ups. Each and every one is necessary for maintaining good health and being aware of your body. A brochure including this information and more can be found on the Men’s Health Network website and MensHealthMonth.org. This decade, let’s decide to dedicate more time and focus to our health.