Men, Don’t Skip Health Checkups

If you’re a man who avoids the doctor and doesn’t get his annual checkup, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that only 66% of men under 50 get a routine health checkup.

“Maybe you’re not comfortable talking about your health concerns, or maybe since you feel okay you simply don’t see any reason to see your doctor,” says Victor Simms, MD, MPH, FACP, Chief of Internal Medicine at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. “But consider this: When you get a preventive medical checkup, you’re not just doing it for yourself. You’re doing it for your family and loved ones.”

In our fast-paced society with work pressures and time constraints, men often forego medical care. But it’s important to make preventive visits to your doctor. You need to get the appropriate screenings done. It’s also important to establish a working relationship with a doctor in the event a medical issue is found.

Potential recommendations for men’s health screenings are listed below. However, your doctor may recommend different screenings based on your health history, age, family medical history, and other factors.

• Blood pressure screening
• Cholesterol test
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Prostate cancer screening
• Testicular examination
• Hearing test
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray
• Blood chemistry test
• Fasting blood sugar test
• Urinalysis
• Skin examination

“Screening tests can help find diseases early,” says Dr. Simms. “Talk to your doctor about which preventive medical checks and tests you need to help you stay healthy.”