Men’s health made easy: The screenings you need at every age
Studies have found that about 60% of men avoid doctors and health screenings. Because these are important for maintaining your physical and mental well-being, getting into the habit of taking care of yourself at a young age makes it easier to protect your health as you get older.
While the tips for staying healthy tend to be the same if you’re 20 or 70, the screenings and tests you need will change as you age.
Tips for good health at every age
Taking care of your body is like taking care of a car—you need to be mindful of what you put into it and stay on top of preventative maintenance.
- Eat a balanced diet: All men benefit from eating a healthy and balanced diet. Focusing on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats and plenty of fruits and vegetables provides the best nutrition and energy to fuel your body.
- Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is key to overall wellness. Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins from your system and keeps your skin looking its best.
- Adopt healthy habits: Limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking and exercising regularly are timeless practices that support a strong and resilient body.
- Prioritize sleep: Many men overlook the connection between health and sleep. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality rest each night to perform at your best, both mentally and physically.
- Focus on your mental health: Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Paying attention to how you are feeling mentally and emotionally can help you navigate through it and develop healthy coping skills, benefitting your physical health, too.
Preventative health in your 20s and 30s
At this age, most men feel invincible, but investing in your health now sets a strong foundation for the future.
Recommended appointments
- Dental exams and cleanings – every six months
- Eye exam – every five years
- Physical exam – every three to five years
Vaccines
- Covid-19 vaccine
- Flu shot – annually
- HPV vaccine
- MenC (meningococcal infection) – recommended for men ages 20-24
- Tetanus/diphtheria booster – every 10 years
Health screenings
- Blood pressure – every two years
- Cholesterol – every four to six years
- Diabetes – if at higher risk
- Hearing – every 10 years
- Hepatitis C – at least once in a lifetime, then based on risk factors
- HIV – based on risk factors
- Self-exams for testicular cancer – regularly
- STDs – based on risk factors
- HIV – at least once in a lifetime, then based on risk factors
Preventative health in your 40s and 50s
During middle age, maintaining good health becomes even more crucial for long-term well-being.
Recommended appointments
- Dental exams and cleanings – every six months
- Eye exam – every two years
- Physical exam – every three to five years (40s) and every year (50s)
Vaccines
- Covid-19 vaccine
- Flu shot – annually
- Pneumonia vaccine – starting at 50
- Shingles vaccine – 50 and older
- Tetanus/diphtheria booster – every 10 years
Health screenings
- Blood pressure – every year
- Cholesterol – every year
- Colorectal cancer – every 10 years starting at age 45
- Diabetes – if at higher risk
- Hearing test – once in your 40s and every three years in your 50s
- Hepatitis C – based on risk factors
- HIV – based on risk factors
- Lung cancer – starting at age 50 for those who had a 20-pack + per year habit, currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years
- Prostate cancer – starting at age 50 (or 45 if at higher risk)
- Skin cancer – annually
Preventative health in your 60s and beyond
As you get older, staying proactive with screenings and appointments is key to catching issues early.
Recommended appointments
- Dental exams and cleanings – every six months
- Eye exams – every year
- Physical exams – every year
Vaccines
- Covid-19 vaccine
- Flu shot – annually
- Tetanus/diphtheria booster – every 10 years
- RSV vaccine – for adults over 75 (or 60+ if at risk)
Health screenings
- Blood pressure – every year
- Bone density test – starting at age 65
- Cholesterol – every year
- Colorectal cancer – every 10 years starting at age 45
- Diabetes – if at risk
- Hearing test – every three years
- Hepatitis C – based on risk factors
- HIV – based on risk factors
- Kidney function test – annually
- Lung cancer – annually
- Prostate cancer – every five years starting at age 50 (or 45 if at higher risk)
- Skin cancer – annually
Take charge of your health.
SIU Medicine has a strong team dedicated to men’s health. Contact us today at 217.545.8000 to find a provider or schedule online with one of our primary care providers.
