Why Regular Health Checkups Matter For Men's Well-Being

Hey guys, be honest with yourself: when's the last time you went to the doctor without someone nagging you into it? If you're drawing a blank, you're not alone, and that's exactly the problem.

As we get older, life gets busier with work, family, and our social lives, but that doesn't mean our health should take a backseat. General checkups matter for everyone, and annual physicals give our healthcare provider the chance to catch early symptoms before they become bigger problems. The specific screenings we need shift as we age. In honor of Father's Day, this blog covers the health screenings every man should get and why they're worth your time.

Research shows men are far less likely to go to the doctor for routine checkups than women. In fact, 65% of men admit to avoiding the doctor as much as possible, and men are 33% less likely than women to see a healthcare professional at all. Those numbers are striking. So what's behind the resistance? Masculine norms, embarrassment, discomfort, and fear of bad news all play a role.

Men, your health deserves the same priority you'd give anyone else you care about. Here are six important screenings every man needs.

More Health Tips

1
Cholesterol Screening
High levels of cholesterol can put you at risk for strokes and heart disease. Men should start getting cholesterol screenings between 25 and 30 and have their levels checked every 4 to 6 years.
2
Colonoscopy
Men have a 32% higher rate of contracting colon cancer than women, making a colonoscopy an incredibly important cancer screening to get. Men should get tested for colon cancer at age 45 and schedule visits every 10 years.
3
Diabetes Risk Assessment Test
Diabetes happens when your body starts to lose its ability to break down sugar. Too much residual sugar can cause many health issues. Men should get diabetes screenings every three years once they turn 35.
4
Blood Pressure Measurement
High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems. If untreated, it can cause heart disease and stroke. You should have your blood pressure checked every few years, or however frequently your doctor suggests.
5
HIV Screening
HIV is a permanent virus that is transmitted sexually and weakens your immune system. Doctors suggest that the frequency of HIV tests depends on your specific risk level. The more sexually active you are, the more you should see your doctor for a test.
6
Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer men face. Most guys should start talking to their doctor about a PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, blood test around age 50. But if you've got a higher risk, such as a father, brother, or son who had prostate cancer, or you're in a higher-risk group, that conversation should start closer to 45. From there, how often you get tested depends on your results and your personal risk factors.