Celebrating Men's Health Month: Taking Control of Your Health
Updated 6/15/23
Men's Health Month, celebrated every June, serves as a valuable reminder to prioritize your well-being. This month encourages you to take proactive steps towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including routine health screenings. These screenings are essential for detecting potential health risks and conditions at an early stage.
Let’s explore the importance of preventative health screenings for men aged 18-65, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
The Importance of Preventative Health Screenings for Men:
Catching Problems Early:
Preventative health screenings help detect health conditions before they become serious. Many diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, often don't show noticeable symptoms at first. By identifying these conditions early through screenings, you can take action to prevent them from progressing and reduce the risk of complications.
Saving Lives:
Regular screenings are crucial for reducing mortality rates. Screenings like colonoscopies can detect colorectal cancer, while prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests can help diagnose prostate cancer. Catching these cancers early significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Personalized Health Assessment:
Preventative health screenings provide you with valuable information about your overall health. The results help assess your risk factors, allowing healthcare providers to develop personalized prevention plans. By addressing these risks promptly, you can make lifestyle changes and adopt healthier habits to reduce the chances of developing chronic conditions.
Recommended Screenings for Men (18-65) by USPSTF:
The USPSTF offers evidence-based recommendations for preventative health screenings. For men aged 18-65, here are the screenings you should consider:
Blood Pressure Screening:
Regularly check your blood pressure to identify hypertension, a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. You can accomplish this by visiting your doctor's office or using a home blood pressure monitor.
Cholesterol Screening:
Get your cholesterol levels checked to assess your cardiovascular health. High cholesterol contributes to heart disease, one of the leading causes of death among men. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to measure your cholesterol levels.
Colorectal Cancer Screening:
Colorectal cancer screenings, such as colonoscopies or fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), are crucial for detecting colorectal cancer early. These tests can be done at a specialized clinic or your doctor's office. Typically, the recommended age to start screening is 50. However, if you have a family history of colon cancer - this is likely to be recommended earlier. Discuss this in detail with your primary care physician to determine if screening is recommended for you.
Diabetes Screening:
Screening for diabetes helps identify individuals with high blood glucose levels. Early detection allows for timely intervention and management. Your doctor can perform a blood test or use a finger-prick test to check your blood sugar levels. The recommended screening method is a blood test called fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or an alternative test known as the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test.
Lung Cancer Screening:
If you have a significant history of smoking, consider low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans to detect lung cancer at an early stage. Talk to your doctor about scheduling this screening.
Hepatitis C Screening:
If you were born between 1945 and 1965, you should consider getting screened for Hepatitis C, as this population is at a higher risk of infection. Your doctor can perform a blood test to check for the virus.
HIV Screening:
If you engage in unprotected sex or intravenous drug use, regular HIV screenings are essential. Talk to your doctor or visit a local clinic that offers HIV testing services.
Depression Screening:
Screenings for depression help identify individuals struggling with mental health issues. Speak openly with your doctor about your emotions and feelings to determine if a depression screening is appropriate for you.
Screening for Low Testosterone Symptoms:
If you experience symptoms like fatigue, decreased sex drive, and mood swings, it may be worth considering a screening for low testosterone levels. Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, can affect men and lead to various physical and emotional symptoms. To get screened for low testosterone, your doctor can conduct a blood test to measure your hormone levels. This simple procedure can provide valuable insights into your hormonal balance and guide appropriate treatment options if necessary.
Let’s wrap it up:
Men's Health Month in June serves as a reminder to prioritize your well-being and take control of your health. Preventative health screenings are an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By undergoing routine screenings, you can catch potential health problems early, improve your chances of successful treatment, and make informed decisions about your overall health. The recommended screenings for men between the ages of 18-65, as recommended by the USPSTF, include blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, colorectal cancer screenings, diabetes screenings, lung cancer screenings for smokers, hepatitis C screenings for specific age groups, HIV screenings for high-risk individuals, and depression screenings. Additionally, for men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone such as fatigue, decreased sex drive, and mood swings, it is crucial to consider a screening for low testosterone levels. By prioritizing preventative health screenings, you can proactively safeguard your well-being and ensure a healthier future.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force:
You can access the screening recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) online. Here's how you can do it:
Visit the official USPSTF website: Go to the website of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which can be found at https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/.
Navigate to the Recommendations section: On the USPSTF website, locate the "Recommendations" tab or section. It is typically prominently displayed on the main page.
Search for specific recommendations: Within the Recommendations section, you can search for specific screenings or browse through the list of topics to find the relevant recommendations. The recommendations are organized by specific health conditions or screenings.
Read the recommendations: Click on the specific topic or screening you are interested in to access the detailed recommendation statement. The recommendation statement will provide information on the screening's purpose, target population, recommended age range, screening methods, frequency, and supporting evidence.
Review supporting evidence: The USPSTF recommendation statements often include references to studies and evidence that support the screening recommendations. You can explore these references for further details and in-depth information.
It is important to note that the USPSTF regularly updates its recommendations based on the latest evidence. Therefore, it is advisable to review the most recent recommendations available on their website for the most up-to-date information.
This article is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information, content and media contained is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.