Men Health Screening – Ages 18 to 39 |

Men Health Screening – Ages 18 to 39

Posted on November 15, 2014

Men Health Screening – Ages 40-64
Men Health Screening – Ages 65+

Many men feel like they should only see their healthcare provider when they are sick. Men: Dr. Laurie is giving you permission to visit your health care provider regularly, even if you feel healthy!

The purpose of these visits is to:

Screen for medical issues
Assess your risk of future medical problems
Encourage a healthy lifestyle
Update vaccinations
Help you get to know your provider in case of an illness

Even if you feel fine, you should still see your health care provider for regular checkups. These visits can avoid problems in the future. For example, the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly. High blood sugar and high cholesterol levels also may not have any symptoms in the early stages.

There are specific times when you should see your provider. Below are screening guidelines for men ages 18 – 39.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless is the top number (systolic number) is between 120 – 139 or the bottom number (diastolic number) is between 80 – 89 mm Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year.
Watch for blood pressure screenings in your neighborhood or workplace. Ask your provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. Or check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies.
If the top number is greater than 140, or the bottom number is greater than 90, schedule an appointment with your provider.
If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to have your blood pressure checked more often.

CHOLESTEROL SCREENING AND HEART DISEASE PREVENTION

Men over age 34 should be checked every 5 years.
If you have risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, start getting screened earlier, at age 20.
If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be checked more often.

DIABETES SCREENING

If you have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 and have other risk factors for diabetes, you should be screened. Having a BMI over 25 means that you are overweight.

DENTAL EXAM

Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.

EYE EXAM

If you have vision problems, have an eye exam about every 2 years.

IMMUNIZATIONS

After age 19, you should have a tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine once as part of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines. You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.
You should get a flu shot each year.
You should get the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine series if you have not already had it.
You should receive 2 doses of varicella vaccine if you were born after 1980 and never had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine. Your doctor may recommend other immunizations if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE SCREENING

Depending on your lifestyle and medical history, you may need to be screened for infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV, as well as other infections.

PHYSICAL EXAM

You should see your provider for preventive health exams every 2 years.
Healthy young people usually do not need blood tests.
Your height, weight, and BMI should be checked at every exam.

During your exam, your provider may ask you about:

Depression
Diet and exercise
Alcohol and tobacco use
Safety, such as use of seat belts and smoke detectors

TESTICULAR EXAM

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against performing testicular self-exam. Doing testicular exams has no benefit.

NOTE: Be sure to check with your health plan to make sure the services are covered benefits.

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Men Health Screening – Ages 18 to 39