June is Men’s Health Month and while it’s always essential to take care of our bodies, it becomes more critical when we age. It’s never too late to take a step in the right direction to improve longevity and quality of life.
Regular appointments are a great time for you to discuss health screenings, lifestyle choices and mental health with your health care provider. Here are a few specifics to consider:
• Prostate: done annually starting at age 55 for patients of average risk, or if you are experiencing pain or urinary problems.
• Colorectal: discuss this with your provider annually starting at age 45 for patients of average risk or if you notice blood in the stool or a persistent change in bowel habits.
• Lung: For those who smoke or quit within the last 15 years and have (or had) at least a 20-pack per year smoking history, discuss this annually with your provider starting at age 50.
• Skin: report any unusual moles or changes in your skin to your doctor. A yearly full-body screening may be recommended for those with increased risk.
• Heart disease: speak to your doctor about risk factors for heart disease, which include a family history, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes.
To learn more on men’s health, visit https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mens-health.htm
