Testing, 1-2-3

August 8, 2012 Robert L. Weinsheimer, MD

 

Men, what’s your excuse for not going to the doctor?

Everyone has them and they’re about as unique as our fingerprints. But put your finger on this: studies from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that American men have worse health than American women and they are less likely to go to the doctor. Help change these stats, stat!

We’ve all heard this advice: eat more veggies, watch your weight, exercise more—the list goes on. But going to the doctor is more than just a chance to be reminded of this advice. It’s a time to get your body tuned just like you would your car. But what screening tests should you have?

 

Screening for what? Who should get screened?

Abdominal Aortic Aneurism

Men 65-75 years old (current or former smokers)

Colorectal Cancer

Men 50+ (or younger if a parent or sibling has had it)

Depression

All men

Diabetes

Men 45+ (or younger if you are overweight, have high blood pressure/cholesterol, a parent/sibling with diabetes, or other risk factors)

Blood Pressure

Men 18+

Cholesterol

Men 35+ (or 20+ if a smoker, overweight, have diabetes or if a parent/sibling has had heart disease)

HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections

All men (depends on your sexual history—talk to your provider about what tests you should have)

Overweight/Obesity

All men

 

Talk with your doctor about the right screening tests for you

Don’t have a doctor? If you need a primary-care provider, call 1-800-SWEDISH or go to www.swedish.org/physicians.

Get screened, know your health stats and don’t let excuses get in the way of your optimum health!

 

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