Men’s Health Week: Get It Checked

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Men face unique health challenges, and one of the most dangerous is their reluctance to seek healthcare. Each year in the week leading up to Father’s Day, Men’s Health Week shines a spotlight on many of the issues that affect the male population. This year, Men’s Health Week runs between June 10th–16th. It is observed as part of the larger Men’s Health Month, which is celebrated during the month of June with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities.

Last year for Men’s Health Week, we focused on the 7 threats to men’s health. This year, we’re spotlighting the infographic below from Georgetown University’s School of Nursing & Health Studies, which provides some current statistics as well as ways men can work to effect change and maintain and improve their health.

One of the things we particularly like is how the infographic highlights a number of preventative tests for men. Regular health tests are important because they can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when chances for treatment and cure are better. By getting the right health services, screenings and treatments, men are taking steps that increase their chances for living a longer, healthier life.

Blood pressure
High blood pressure can cause damage to body organs.

Age 20+: every year

Blood tests & urinalysis
Blood and urine are used to screen for diseases such as cholesterol, diabetes, and kidney or thyroid dysfunction before symptoms occur.

Age 20-39: every 3 years | Age 40-49: every 2 years | Age 50+: every year

Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An electrocardiogram or EKG is used to screen for heart abnormalities.

Age 20-39: baseline | Age 40-49: every 4 years | Age 50+: every 3 years

Physical exam
Physical exams provide an overall health status report.

Age 20-39: every 3 years | Age 40-49: every 2 years | Age 50+: every year

Rectal exam
A rectal exam is used to screen for hemorrhoids, lower rectal problems, colon cancer and prostate cancer.

Age 20+: every year

Sexually transmitted diseases
Sexually active adults at risk for STDs should be screened regularly.

Age 20+: talk to your doctor

TB skin test
A tuberculosis skin test should be done on occasion of exposure or suggestive symptoms.

Age 20+: every 5 years

Chest x-ray
A chest x-ray detects lung cancer and should be considered among smokers over the age of 45.

Age 40+: talk to your doctor

Hemoccult
A hemoccult is a quantitative test for hidden blood in stool, a screen for early signs of polyps or colon cancer.

Age 40+: every year

Testosterone screening
A testosterone screen checks for low testosterone.

Age 40+: talk to your doctor

Colorectal health
A colorectal examination checks the rectum, sigmoid and descending colon for early signs of cancer.

Age 50+: every 3-4 years

PSA blood test
Tests levels of prostate specific antigen for infection, enlargement, or cancer.

Age 50+: every year (earlier if you have a family history of prostate cancer)

Bone health
Bone mineral density test.

Age 60+: talk to your doctor

For more information on which screening tests to get, see the checklist on the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ): Men: Stay Healthy at Any Age — Checklist for Your Next Checkup