At Sam Rodgers, we are committed to treating your whole family, from newborns to seniors but we also know that each member of your family might have different health needs. With father’s day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to focus on men’s health.  For some time now the life expectancy for women has been longer than that of their male counterparts, and although that gap might be shrinking, higher rates of smoking and drinking and a tendency not to seek help are major factors in men’s health. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease and lung cancer and there are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many of the major health risks that men face can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Even if you feel fine, you should still see your provider for regular checkups. These visits can help you avoid problems in the future.

Here is list of screenings and checks men should have completed:

Blood Pressure

  • Have your blood pressure checked once a year. If the top number (systolic number) is between 120 and 139 or the bottom number (diastolic number) is between 80 and 89 mm Hg, then continue to have it checked every year.
  • If the top number is greater than 140 or the bottom number is greater than 90, schedule an appointment with your provider.
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to have your blood pressure checked more often.

Cholesterol and Heart Disease

  • Your cholesterol should be checked every 5 years.
  • If you have a high cholesterol level, diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be checked more often.

Diabetes

  • If you are age 45 or older, you should be screened every 3 years.
  • If you are overweight, ask your provider if you should be screened at a younger age. Asian Americans should be screened if their BMI is greater than 23.
  • If your blood pressure is above 135/80 mm Hg, or you have other risk factors for diabetes, your provider may test your blood sugar level for diabetes.

Colon Cancer

  • If you are under 50, you should be screened if you have a strong family history of colon cancer.
  • If you are between ages 50 to 75, you should be screened for colorectal cancer.

Prostate Cancer

  • Most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their provider. African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer in a first degree relative younger than age 65 should discuss screening at age 45.

Osteoporosis

  • If you are between ages 50 to 70 and have risk factors for osteoporosis, you should discuss screening with your provider.
  • Risk factors can include long-term steroid use, low body weight, smoking, heavy alcohol use, having a fracture after age 50, or a family history of osteoporosis.

To learn more about men’s health or to make an appointment at Rodgers Health call 816-307-0152 or request an appointment online.