Hey Guys, Stay Ahead of the Game with Yearly Checkups

Men of all ages, you deserve to have your health taken seriously. But let’s be honest, sometimes we brush things off until it disrupts our life.

“A lot of times men come in when the symptoms of conditions have already appeared,” said Nicholas Kaufman, MD, internal medicine specialist at Avera Medical Group Family Health Center – Dawley Farm in Sioux Falls, SD. Or, guys come in when their significant others have rightfully prodded them to do so.

“Schedule a yearly checkup with your primary care or internal medicine provider,” said Kaufman. “Screenings and talking with your provider can help you stay ahead of the game when it comes to health concerns.”

Also, check your health insurance plan to learn what is covered and what is not. The yearly checkup is often a covered benefit, but screenings and in-depth discussions about acute/chronic diagnoses could possibly be billed. That’s why it’s important to know your insurance plan, as well as think through your goals for the appointment.

Screenings Men Need to Track Health Changes

Your provider helps you keep track of the preventive screenings you need. It’s imperative to get screenings when you’re due and even if you feel healthy, as earlier treatment for any found condition can reverse symptoms or even change the course of your life.

For men, these are some general guidelines:

• Blood pressure screening – Between ages 18 to 39, screen every three to five years, and annually after age 40.
• Cholesterol screening – Age 35 and older, repeat screening every five years, or more frequently based on other risk factors.
• Immunizations – Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years, flu shot every year, HPV vaccine when young, shingles two-part series at age 50 and older, pneumococcal vaccine by at least age 65.
• Prostate cancer exam – Age 50 and older should consider screenings, or starting at age 40 to 45 if family history of prostate cancer.
• Colon cancer screening – Between ages 45 and 75, colonoscopy screening should occur every 10 years; other screenings like Cologuard are every three years or FIT every year.
• Lung cancer screening – Age 50 is when screenings typically begin, if you have a 20-pack-year smoking history, currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.
• Heart screenings – Heart and vascular screenings are available through Planet Heart, recommended for men age 40 and older.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (heart) – Between ages 65 to 75, if you have smoked you should have an ultrasound done once.

“However, these recommendations are not set in stone,” said Kaufman. “Your provider knows your health history, your risk factors and some details about your family’s health history, so they may alter the frequency of your screenings to ensure concerns are found and treated as soon as possible.”

Common Men’s Health Issues Your Provider Can Help With

Your primary provider is a great first step in solving some of these common problems.

Orthopedic Pain

Many men have jobs and hobbies that involve repetitive movement. Whether it’s twisting tools as a mechanic, grasping a guitar or long-distance running, pain manifests in the bones, muscles or joints. Talk to your provider about your pain, and they’ll connect you to a specialist.

Disrupted Sleep

Exhausted during the day? Undiagnosed sleep apnea is when you stop breathing during the night, and your body instinctively wakes you to gasp for air. These micro-interruptions prevent you from getting the sleep you need. Your provider can help you schedule a sleep study.

Low Testosterone Symptoms

Low levels of the hormone testosterone, also called hypogonadism, can contribute to erectile dysfunction, low libido, low energy or depression, and reduced muscle mass. These are just a few possible symptoms; talk to your provider about treatment.

Why Men’s Mental Health Is Part of Your Yearly Checkup

Men often receive the message that they need to shove away their problems, emotions or pain. There’s no shame if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness — anything — that’s disrupting you from living a productive, fulfilling life.

Not addressing mental health concerns in a medical or therapeutic way may manifest into addiction. Heavy drinking, smoking or using other substances are behavioral health issues that can lead to devastating health conditions down the road.

“It’s not always obvious if you’re struggling with something underneath the surface during your checkup,” said Kaufman, “but we want to know, so it’s important to just be honest when we ask.”

In addition, men are more likely to complete suicide — so yes, your mental health matters. Your primary care provider can direct you to the best resources.

What to Bring to Your Yearly Checkup

Forgetting something you wanted to talk about during your appointment happens to everyone. To help, here’s a list of things to bring to your appointment:

• Your health insurance card and ID
• A current list of medications and over-the-counter supplements
• Any unusual symptoms or health-related concerns that have appeared
• Questions, such as “What preventive screenings am I due for?”

“We also want you to take away some goals,” said Kaufman. “Perhaps it’s getting that screening done, strategies to eat better and exercise for weight loss, or resources to stop unhealthy habits.”