Men’s health is just as important as women’s health, and there are several steps men can take to maintain good health and lead longer happier lives. One crucial aspect is prioritizing regular preventive care.
Regular preventive care can help identify men’s health issues early when they are easier to treat and prevent from worsening. It encompasses various services, including screening tests, physical exams, and lifestyle counseling.
Here’s a brief overview of the importance of men’s health and some common screening tests for men, including prostate exams.
Why Men’s Health Is So Important?
Research has revealed that men in the United States, regardless of their income and ethnicity, are less likely to regularly see their primary medicine provider for preventive care than women. Unfortunately, this trend often leads to men seeking medical attention only when their health problem has progressed to an advanced stage.
Moreover, men are more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as drinking alcohol, using tobacco, and making risky choices compared to women.
The combination of men being less likely to see their family medicine provider for regular checkups and more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle habits puts them at an increased risk of developing serious health problems. Hence, it’s crucial for men to timely seek care for their health problems and prioritize preventive care to stay on top of their health.
Prostate Exams and Their Importance
A prostate exam is a common screening test used to look for early signs of prostate cancer. Generally, a prostate exam has two components: a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test involves measuring the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood, while the digital rectal examination is a physical exam during which a healthcare provider carefully inserts their gloved finger into your rectum to feel the edges and surfaces of your prostate gland to detect any potential signs of prostate cancer.
Studies have found that prostate-specific blood tests are more effective at detecting prostate cancer; however, digital rectal examination can still find abnormalities in those who have normal PSA levels. That is why it is recommended for men to have both types of tests done.
On average, men and people who are assigned male at birth should start receiving a prostate exam at 50. If you are at higher risk for developing prostate cancer due to your family history or ethnicity, you may need to start a prostate exam as early as the age of 45.
Other Screening Tests for Men
In addition to prostate exams, men are also recommended to have the following screening tests done based on their age, health history, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Screening For Colorectal Cancer. Colorectal cancer is also one of the most common types of cancer in men. It is recommended for men to discuss with their healthcare professional the need for colonoscopies – a screening test that detects precancerous polyps in the colon and rectum.
Diabetes Screening. This is a chronic health condition characterized by an abnormal blood sugar level. Diabetes screening can be done through fasting blood sugar, oral glucose tolerance, and hemoglobin A1C tests.
Screening For Cardiovascular Problems. Problems of the heart and blood vessels are the common cause of death among men in the US. Regular blood pressure monitoring and cholesterol testing are crucial for assessing and managing the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Mental Health Screening. Men are affected by mental health issues like depression and anxiety as much as women are. Therefore, men should also get regular mental health screenings from their family medicine provider.
Men’s Health in Colorado Springs, CO
At Abundance Health Care, our highly trained and expert family nurse practitioner is committed to providing comprehensive healthcare to people of all ages, including men, women, children, and seniors. We provide our patients with evidence-based and holistic approaches to healthcare, ensuring that they get full spectrum care for their health conditions.
If you would like to schedule a one-on-one consultation with our family nurse practitioner, call us today at (720) 869-0547 or fill out our online appointment request form.
