02 Jun MEN’S HEALTH MONTH

Posted at 14:02h in Cancer by

Men’s Health Month is an opportunity to encourage men and boys in our lives to take charge of their health!

For many reasons – embarrassment, inconvenience, or even just the stigma around “complaining” about medical issues – men are much less likely to take care of themselves and seek preventative care.  It’s time to change that!    Men of every age need to take the time to focus on their mental and physical health and well-being.

The Men’s Health Network (MHN) provides a suggested timeline for check-ups by each decade of life:

20’s:

  • Every year: physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test and urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam
  • Every five years: TB skin test
  • Every ten years: Tetanus booster

30’s:

  • Every year: physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test, and urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam, electrocardiogram (EKG) for heart abnormalities
  • Every five years: TB skin test
  • Every ten years: Tetanus booster

40’s:

  • Every year: physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test, and urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam, electrocardiogram (EKG) for heart abnormalities, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, hemoccult test
  • Every five years: TB skin test
  • Every ten years: Tetanus booster
  • With a physician’s discretion: chest x-ray, testosterone screening

50+:

  • Every year: physical exam, blood pressure analysis, blood test, and urine analysis, rectal exam, STD testing, self-performed testicular exam, electrocardiogram (EKG) for heart abnormalities, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, hemoccult test
  • Every five years: TB skin test
  • Every ten years: Tetanus booster
  • With a physician’s discretion: chest x-ray, testosterone screening, bone density screening

Not sure if you need these?   Don’t take our word for it – ask your doctor!   Your physician can advise you on what screenings and tests are necessary for you to maintain good health.   This Men’s Health Month, let’s encourage our sons, husbands, partners, fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and friends to make health a priority.

Northeastern Oklahoma Cancer Institute is here for you; don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about your health.