June in National Men’s Health Awareness Month
National Men’s Health Awareness Month
June, 2014
The CDC states that men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death and die almost five years earlier than women. Women are also 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men.
| Checkups and Screenings | When? | Ages | ||
| 20-39 | 40-49 | 50+ | ||
| Physical Exam
Review overall health status, perform a thorough physical exam, and discuss health related topics. |
Every 3 Yrs | X | X | X |
| Every 2 Yrs | ||||
| Every Yr | ||||
| Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) has no symptoms, but can cause permanent damage to body organs. |
Every Yr | X | X | X |
|
TB Skin Test Should be done on occasion of exposure or suggestive symptoms at direction of physician. Some occupations may require more frequent testing for public health indications. |
Every 5 Yrs | X | X | X |
| Blood Tests & Urinalysis
Screens for various illnesses and diseases (such as cholesterol, diabetes, kidney or thyroid dysfunction) before symptoms occur. |
Every 3 Yrs | X | X | X |
| Every 2 Yrs | ||||
| Every Yr | ||||
|
EKG Electrocardiogram Screens for heart abnormalities. |
Baseline | Age 30 | X | X |
| Every 2 Yrs | ||||
| Every Yr | ||||
| Tetanus Booster
Prevents lockjaw. |
Every 10 Yrs | X | X | X |
|
Rectal Exam Screens for hemorrhoids, lower rectal problems, colon and prostate cancer (see PSA Blood Test, below). |
Every Yr | X | X | X |
| PSA Blood Test
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is produced by the prostate. Levels rise when there is an abnormality such as an infection, enlargement or cancer. Testing should be done in collaboration with your physician. |
Every Yr | X | ||
| Hemoccult
Screens the stool for microscopic amounts of blood that can be the first indication of polyps or colon cancer. |
Every Yr | X | X | |
| Colorectal Health
A flexible scope examines the rectum, sigmoid and descending colon for cancer at its earliest and treatable stages. It also detects polyps, which are benign growths that can progress to cancer if not found early. |
Every 3-4 Yrs | X | ||
| Chest X-Ray
Should be considered in smokers over the age of 45. The usefulness of this test on a yearly basis is debatable due to poor cure rates of lung cancer. |
Discuss with a physician | X | X | |
|
Bone Health Bone mineral density test. Testing is best done under the supervision of your physician. |
Discuss with a physician | Age 60 | ||
| Self Exams Testicle: To find lumps in their earliest sages. Skin: To look for signs of changing moles, freckles, or early skin cancer.
Oral: To look for signs of cancerous lesions in the mouth. Breast: To find abnormal lumps in their earliest stages. |
Monthly by self | X | X | X |
|
Testosterone Screening Low testosterone symptoms include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue and depression. Initial screening for symptoms with a questionnaire followed by a simple blood test. |
Discuss with a physician | X | X | |
| Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually active adults who consider themselves at risk for STDs should be screened for syphilis, chlamydia, HIV, and other STDs. |
Under physician supervision | X | X | X |
How to Increase Men’s Health?
Eat Healthy. Say no to super-sizing and yes to a healthy breakfast. Eating different types of foods will help you get all the vitamins you need. Eat at least one fruit or vegetable to every meal.
Get Moving. Play with your kids or grandkids. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Do yard work. Play a sport. Choose activities that you enjoy to stay motivated.
Make Prevention a Priority. Many health conditions can be prevented or detected early with regular checkups from your healthcare provider. Please see below to know when you should be tested.
** It is best to see your primary care physician regularly in order to live a healthy life. Please call 773-702-0660 to make an appointment at Friend Family Health Center. **
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