Keeping up with your health vitals is necessary for staying healthy and living a long life. Here are some regular screenings that all men should get, and what the time frame should be for each of them.
Every 6 months
- Get a dental examination. Did you know that your oral health can be an indicator of other diseases? Oral health can help diagnose conditions such as Cardiovascular disease, Pregnancy and birth complications, and Pneumonia. Getting a check-up every 6 months not only ensures healthy teeth and gums, but provides a window into your overall state of well-being. Schedule an appointment at the Joslyn Smile Center to get checked out now – (248) 724-7600
Monthly
- Skin Cancer. Melanoma is currently the country’s fifth most common cancer among men. Take a moment once a month to examine your whole body, using a mirror to see your back. A suspicious mole is one that is asymmetrical, has an irregular border, uneven color, is larger than a pencil eraser, or seems to be changing in size, shape, or color.
Annually
- Get a flu shot. Every year 5%-20% of the U.S. population comes down with the flu. The composition of the flu vaccine changes each year, so being vaccinated once is not enough. Get your shot in the fall, before the flu season peaks.
- Check your blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to conditions of heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg; if you blood pressure is higher, your doctor will probably want to follow-up with regular blood-pressure-info.com.
- And also check for diabetes. Blood pressure higher than 135/80 mm Hg may be a symptom of diabetes. Testing for diabetes may include a hemoglobin A1C blood test, a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Make an Appointment: Call 248-724-7600
Every 5 years
- Get a cholesterol screening. After age 35, you should be getting a cholesterol screening every 5 years. Results will show how much HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides you have in your blood stream. Ask your doctor to explain how these numbers affect your overall health.
After age 50
- Colorectal cancer screening. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in American men and women (American Cancer Society).
- Prostate cancer screening. Prostate cancer risk grows after age 50. Make sure that you’re getting screened for this condition.
As needed
- Feeling Blue. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 6 million men are diagnosed with depression in the United States every year. Doctors are the front line for feeling better – they can screen you and set you on a treatment plan that can make a real difference in your life.