This year, the Men’s Health Network (MHN) decided to focus on the theme of a new decade. With a new decade comes the opportunity to both look back and look forward. This time for both reflection and prospection gives us all a unique occasion to evaluate how we have been dealing with our health, both physical and mental. Men, especially, should take this time to do just that.
In general, men are less likely to take care of themselves and their health than women. The adviser of the Men's Health Organization, Armin Brott, states, "Men are half as likely to visit the doctor for a check-up as women are, and there are over 7 million American men who have not seen a doctor in over 10 years.” In addition, a Cleveland Clinic survey in 2019 found that 82 percent of men report trying to stay healthy and live longer for those who rely on them, yet only 50 percent engage in preventive care. Men cited embarrassment, lack of convenience, not wanting to hear a bad diagnosis, and being told as children not to complain about medical problems as reasons for pushing off a visit to their health care provider.
Partly as a result of dedicating less time to their personal health, male life expectancy is about five years less than women. Now, it is time for that to change. Men of every age need to be taking the time to focus on their mental and physical well-being. From 19 to 90, even if he is in “ perfect” shape, a man should still be making routine appointments with his providers. 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. Men are not invincible and should be engaging with their providers on a regular basis. Regular check-ups and appointments mean taking responsibility for your health and well-being and being a real man.
To coincide with the new decade and renewed responsibility for health, 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
50s+:
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
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