Recommended Health Screenings for Men

		Ages
Checkups and Screenings	When?	20-39	40-49	50+
Physical Exam: Review overall health status, perform a thorough physical exam and discuss health related topics.	Every Year	X	X	X
Blood Pressure: High blood pressure has no symptoms, but can cause permanent damage to body organs.	Every Year	X	X	X
Immunizations: Tetnus/diphtheria, flu and pneumonia vaccines are among the vaccines are among the vaccines needed in adulthood. Other vaccines may be needed, depending on risk factors.	Ask your physician what you are due for	X	X	X
TB Skin Test: Should be done if exposed to someone with active TB or if develop symptoms of TB, at direction of physician.	Every 5 years	X	X	X
Dental Exam	Twice yearly	X	X	X
Cholesterol Test: To determine whether cholesterol content of the blood is too high – a major risk factor in heart disease.	Every 5 years	Age 21 and over, or as directed by physician
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Test: Levels of this rise when there is an abnormality such as an infection, enlargement, or cancer. Testing should be done in collaboration with your physician. Digital exam is recommended at the same time.	50 and over – discuss annual screening with the doctor based on overall health and life expectancy. Consult the doctor about earlier screening if at high risk – African American or family history of prostate cancer.			X
Rectal Exam: Detects hemorrhoids, lower rectal problems, as well as colon and prostate cancer.	Every year			X
Hemoccult: Detects microscopic amounts of blood in the stool – an early indicator of polyps or colon cancer.	Every year			X
Endoscopic exams: Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy – examines the rectum and lower colon for polyps (benign, possibly precancerous growths) and cancer.	Every 3 years			X
Chest x-ray: Detects lung cancer – should be considered for smokers over the age of 45, as directed by physician.	Every year (if smoker)		X	X
Bone mineral density: tests for presence of osteoporosis.	Discuss with a physician	Age 60
Testosterone screening: Blood test that shows a low level of testosterone.	Discuss with a physician	X	X	X
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s): Sexually active adults at risk for STD’s should be screened for syphilis, chlamydia and other STD’s.	Discuss with a physician	X	X	X
Self-exams: Testicle Skin Oral Breast	Monthly by self	Start at Puberty
Eye Exam	18 – 40 as eye problems are suspected or as directed by Dr. 40 – baseline exam 40 – 64 every 2-4 years 65 & over – every 1-2 years

Tips for Healthy Eating

· Eat 3 meals every day

· Choose fresh or canned fruit more often than

fruit juice

· Use fats and oils sparingly

· Eat sweets sparingly

· Choose whole grains more often

· Drink plenty of water

· Select a mix of colorful vegetables each day

· Have low-fat, low-sugar snacks on hand

Getting Active

· Take the stairs instead of the elevator

· Park the car farther away from entrances to stores, etc.

· Take a short walk around the block with family, friends,

or coworkers

· In bad weather, walk around the mall, YMCA, or other

inside facility

· Rake the leaves

· Visit museums, the zoo, a nature preserve, or aquarium

· Wash the car

· Take a walk after dinner instead of watching TV

Tobacco Cessation

If you use any form of tobacco, stop now.

All forms of tobacco cause cancer.

Contact the Monroe County Health Department for

information on smoking cessation.

Resources: Men’s Health Network

National Institutes of Health

American Cancer Society

Cabinet for Health Services