MUSTS FOR MEN Health Tests

Every Man Should Have And When

BLOOD PRESSURE: Starting at age 18, check it at least every two years, more often if your numbers are borderline, meaning the top “systolic” number is above 120 or the bottom “diastolic” number is higher than 80. Normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80mmHg.

CHOLESTEROL/LIPIDS: After age 20, cholesterol levels should be checked every four to six years or more often if you have risk factors such as tobacco use, diabetes or high blood pressure. A blood test will measure your total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. A healthy total cholesterol goal should be below 200mg/dL. An optimal triglyceride level is less than 100mg/dL, although levels below 150mg/dL are considered normal.

COLONOSCOPY: Because colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, you should schedule your first screening for colon cancer at age 50, or earlier if there’s a family history of this disease. During a routine colonoscopy, any precancerous growths can be removed. If all is well and the doctor finds nothing of concern, you won’t need another colonoscopy for as long as 10 years.

PROSTATE EXAM: Once you’re over 50, ask your doctor about the benefits—and drawbacks—of getting screened for prostate cancer, which involves either a digital rectal exam or a PSA test (blood test that measures a protein known as prostate-specific antigen). Tell your health care provider if you find yourself having trouble urinating or having to go frequently, as these are symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

BLOOD TEST: Start with the basic, a complete blood count, or CBC. The CBC can give you a variety of baseline numbers for key factors such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. A CBC will give you clues relating to anemia, blood glucose levels, cholesterol, thyroid problems, inflammation that could lead to cardiovascular disease and much more.