Preventive care is a fundamental part of health and should be for every man. Preventive care consists of preventative screenings, checkups, and counseling services that are required at no cost, as long as the test is done at a network provider. Preventive screenings for early detection of possible health issues can provide better outcomes and overall costs. Studies have shown that preventative care decreases overall healthcare costs (J Viera et al., 2006). In men specifically, conditions are becoming more prevalent such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Proactive health can help eliminate these problems (M Robertson et al., 2008).
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men. In 2019, around 1 in 4 men had heart disease. Preventative care can help assess risk and determine if lifestyle changes or medications are needed. Blood pressure screenings are vital for heart health. High blood pressure is known as the silent killer due to most individuals not showing symptoms. Blood pressure should be checked yearly, or more often if levels are elevated. A cholesterol screening is a blood test that can show if cholesterol levels are too high. Too much bad cholesterol (LDL) can cause heart disease. It is recommended that men get tested every five years starting at age 35 or earlier if risk factors are present. For men, diabetes screenings are crucial.
Importance of Preventive Care for Men
Preventive care is essential for everyone, but it is especially important for men. Various diseases disproportionately affect men rather than women. For example, men are 2.5 times more likely to die from liver disease, 4.5 times more likely to die from a heroin overdose, and almost twice as likely to die from heart disease. Furthermore, statistically, men are less likely than women to partake in preventative health practices. While women’s health issues such as reproductive and maternal health have garnered a lot of discussion and awareness, the same cannot be said for men. As a result, many limitations surrounding men’s health still exist. This includes a lack of understanding of what preventative health practices are needed for men, awareness of the benefits of these practices, and education on how to implement these practices (M Robertson et al., 2008). Most importantly, the accessibility of preventative care is essential to improving health outcomes for the conditions men are at higher risk of. Preventative care in general should be more accessible, as it is the best way to most efficiently manage health on both a personal and societal level. However, this is especially true for men, as the extensive health issues men face could be significantly reduced with regularly accessible preventative care.
Preventative care can involve many things, but at its most basic level, it includes health screenings. Whether it be for vision, hearing, STIs, blood pressure, cholesterol, or heart health, there is an overwhelming number of things that men can be screened for. However, men’s health is often stigmatized, and many feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing it. There are further psychological barriers with the way many men feel about health care in general. Many men see a trip to the hospital as a last resort rather than a necessity, and this is evident in the statistics. Although men are more likely to die from almost all major diseases, they are still less likely than women to go to a doctor when they are sick (J Viera et al., 2006). In fact, the most common reason for a man to visit a doctor is if it is court mandated. In order to encourage regular screenings, it is essential to overcome these stigmas surrounding men’s health. Perhaps the best way to approach this would be to shift the cultural mentality surrounding masculinity. Culturally, there is a strong belief that being tough and rugged is a desirable trait in a man. As a result, many men bury their issues inside with hopes that they will go away, rather than expressing them. This is evident in the way many men react to health concerns. It is not uncommon for a man to have a heart attack before taking preventative measures against heart disease, despite the fact that it is the number one killer of men. This needs to change. Men need to be taught that valuing their health and taking proactive measures to manage it is equally as important as any other aspect of their life. If men can be convinced to take their health seriously, the overall longevity and quality of life amongst men will greatly increase. Preventative care should be a priority for everyone, but particularly for men.
Key Preventive Screenings and Tests
Health screenings and preventive tests can help catch conditions early, before they cause problems. Many of them can check for symptoms you can’t see or feel yet. This section covers the important tests every man should consider. Each screening is briefed here, explaining why it’s important and what it involves. Some screenings note that you may need to do them differently based on your age or family history. For almost all the tests, it directs you to go to your healthcare provider to get them done. Often men have not had some or even most of these screenings, so it’s recommended to take action and get any tests done as soon as possible.
There are different types of tests that look for different things. Some tests check for blood levels, some check for urine samples, some use physical examinations, and some take imaging pictures inside the body. Here are the screenings with a brief introduction of what they check for. Blood pressure screening: high blood pressure is checked. Cholesterol screening: screening the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL). Diabetes screening: checking if there is diabetes based on blood sugar levels. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening: some STIs are checked based on blood, urine, or genital exams. Tobacco and alcohol use screening: checking if there are unhealthy habits of tobacco and alcohol. Colorectal cancer screening: an imaging test may be done to look at the rectum and colon and check for cancer. Skin exam: checking the skin for any unusual moles or growths. Testicular self-exam: checking the testes for any lumps or growths. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: blood screening to check PSA level in the body, which may indicate prostate cancer (M Robertson et al., 2008) (M. Saab et al., 2019).
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a vital sign that is often considered. It can be tested quickly, and the results are generally easy to interpret. But the importance of blood pressure goes deeper than other vital signs because consistent high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Usually blood pressure rises silently, without any warning, and that’s why it’s often called the “silent killer” (RC Campbell et al., 2021). Despite the name, there are often early signs to look for. Besides controlling weight, smoking, and knowing blood pressure numbers, the most important thing is simply routine monitoring, which can save a life. Fortunately, blood pressure monitoring is accessible and affordable, so there are not many excuses not to do it.
Blood pressure refers to the pressure of blood in the circulatory system, and it’s typically expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) as two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure (the first or upper number) is the pressure in the arteries when the heartbeats, whereas the diastolic pressure (the second or lower number) is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Blood pressure is always recorded with both numbers in this order, such as “120 over 80” (120/80 mmHg). A normal (ideal) blood pressure is usually considered to be anything lower than 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure (hypertension) is generally considered to be 130/80 mmHg or higher (Petersen and Benzeval, 2016). There are different categories of hypertension, which can be referred to as stage 1, stage 2, and more severe stages. Generally, the higher the number, the higher the risk of heart-related diseases. For example, having a systolic pressure of 180 mmHg or higher increases the risk of a stroke five times. (To clarify, a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is stopped.) It’s important to note that blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, so one isolated measurement above normal is not sufficient for a hypertension diagnosis.
Lifestyle choices can easily influence blood pressure. These include diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Since diet has the strongest correlation with blood pressure, it’s possible to adjust food habits to better control blood pressure. The most popular diet used to treat hypertension is the DASH diet. This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, while it limits saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium intake. In fact, sodium intake has the most direct effect on blood pressure. The general recommendation for sodium intake is to keep it below 2,300 mg a day; however, for best health results, it’s advised to aim for only 1,500 mg a day. It’s also good to limit processed food intake because they usually have added sodium. Being physically active is another safe method for lowering blood pressure. In general, working out for 30 minutes most days of the week can reduce systolic blood pressure by 4 to 9 mmHg. Exercise is most beneficial when combined with weight loss and a healthier diet. Even losing 10 pounds can make a difference. Blood pressure usually rises with age, but being overweight increases the risk of hypertension significantly.
Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol Level. Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood, and although your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, too much cholesterol can lead to a build-up of plaque in your arteries. Plaque can make it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries, leading to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, so it’s important to get your cholesterol levels checked. Your cholesterol levels should be checked every 4-6 years if you are at normal risk for heart disease. If you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested more frequently. Getting to know your cholesterol numbers is imperative for making informed decisions regarding your health (Roy, 2014).
There are different types of cholesterol:
• LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein): sometimes referred to as “bad” cholesterol. It makes up the majority of your body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to a build-up of plaque in your arteries.
• HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein): sometimes referred to as “good” cholesterol. It absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver, which flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol may lower your risk of heart disease.
• Total cholesterol: a measurement of your total cholesterol by adding together your HDL, LDL, and 20% of your triglycerides (fat in the blood).
Dietary choices and physical activity can affect your cholesterol levels. Eating heart-healthy foods and being physically active can help lower your cholesterol levels. If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your cholesterol levels, you may need to take medication. It’s vital to understand what your cholesterol numbers mean so you can take charge of your heart health and make informed decisions about things like diet, exercise, and medication.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
Prostate health is a concern for men as they age, with prostate cancer ranking as the second deadliest cancer for American men. However, early diagnosis can improve treatment success rates. The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test measures PSA levels in the blood, with higher levels possibly indicating prostate cancer, prompting a prostate biopsy. PSA testing is commonly conducted in hospitals, with results usually available within a day. PSA tests and discussions with healthcare providers should focus on the following key topics: When to begin PSA testing? Guidelines recommend beginning PSA testing at age 55. However, those at higher prostate cancer risk, such as with a family history of the disease, should consider screening as early as age 40. For men aged 70 and older or those with less than 10-15 years of life expectancy, PSA testing is generally not advised. Understanding what PSA levels mean. PSA levels can range from low to high. A level below 4.0 is considered normal, but false negatives can occur. A level of 4.0-10.0 has a 25% chance of being cancer, while a level above 10.0 has a 50% chance of having cancer, but false positives can still happen. For African American men, normal PSA levels are lower than for white men. Interpreting PSA test results is complex and should involve a discussion with a healthcare provider (M. Merrill et al., 2022). Understanding how PSA testing is combined with other tests. If a PSA test is elevated, a prostate biopsy, often guided by MRI imaging, may be recommended to collect prostate tissue for cancer assessment. Discuss the biopsy procedure with a healthcare provider. Spoiler alert: Prostate biopsies aren’t pleasant, as they involve inserting an ultrasound probe into the rectum and using a spring-loaded needle to extract tissue samples from the prostate, akin to a tattoo sting multiple times. Prostate health is essential for every man. Despite being uncomfortable, it’s vital to get tested to seek treatment if anything arises (C Reece, 2014). Prostate health and the PSA test can be an emotional topic for many men. Society often expects men to remain strong and not show emotions. Anger or fear can arise from feelings of uncertainty regarding health, prompting a desire for answers. While discussing worries about prostate health is possible, approaching topics like prostate exams or fears of prostate cancer is more challenging. Opening up about these concerns can be intimidating. It’s essential to realize you’re not alone and that millions of men are in the same boat. Make the effort to discuss prostate health with a healthcare provider. Screening options, such as the PSA test, will be reviewed. Remember, the goal is to prioritize prostate health so cancer can be caught early if it arises, as treating cancer in earlier stages increases the likelihood of survival.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screening is perhaps the most critical of all screenings. The good news is that the screening works. If you catch it early, you have a near 90% chance of surviving colorectal cancer (R. Rogers and Goodson, 2014). The bad news is that colorectal cancer rates are on the rise, especially for younger individuals. Prior to 1990, colorectal cancer was very rare for individuals under 50; today, it is the second most common cancer for 20-49 year-olds (R. Rogers et al., 2014). Men should start screening at 45. However, it is wise to begin the dialogue sooner, especially for individuals with a family history, such as a parent who had colorectal cancer at a young age.
Colorectal cancer screening can be done in various ways. The colonoscopy is perhaps the most well-known method. Colonoscopy screening involves a camera on a long tube that examines your colon for abnormalities or malignancies. It is often viewed as unpleasant, which has invited publicity campaigns to try to change the perception of colonoscopy as a “happy birthday” present. The other common method is various stool tests, which essentially screen for blood or abnormalities in your stool. These are more convenient tests, but they are often subject to false positives or false negatives. Regardless of what screening is used, it is critical to follow up on abnormal test results. Catching cancer at its earliest stage can lead to extremely high survival rates. Unfortunately, if cancer is not caught until after it spreads to other organs, survival rates drop drastically. Beyond routine screening, it is vital to educate men on symptoms that should trigger immediate medical attention—rectal bleeding, sudden changes in stool shape or consistency, etc. That being said, there is no reason to panic; many other ailments can cause similar symptoms. Thus, it is critical to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis.
As with many health issues, lifestyle factors can affect the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Diets low in fiber and high in red and processed meats double the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Conversely, diets high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help reduce the risk. Smoking nearly doubles the risk, while heavy alcohol use increases the risk by 50%. However, the largest controllable risk factor is obesity. Compared to individuals of normal weight, obese individuals double their chance of developing colorectal cancer. Getting regular exercise is a great way to maintain a healthy weight. Strive to meet the goal of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. Finally, anticipation of a screening procedure often breeds anxiety. Understanding what the procedure entails is an essential first step in overcoming apprehension—ensuring that screenings do not stop after the first one is critical in colon health. Many men will have a colonoscopy screening, and it is essential to dispel any fears regarding the procedure itself. Colonoscopy screening is accomplished by using medication to sedate the individual, making it a non-event procedure, as many men can recount. Unfortunately, awareness campaigns regarding colonoscopy often focus solely on the procedure itself. Having knowledge about this procedure is great; however, it is essential not to overlook the importance of educating men on why screening is necessary in the first place. Colonoscopy screening is the most common type of colorectal cancer screening. Still, due to its unpleasant reputation, many men opt instead for a stool test, so everything discussed prior regarding why screening at all is critical to colon screening. Ultimately, the message that men must take away is simple: Make colorectal health a priority—and screening is a vital part of that health.
Diabetes Screening
In addition to heart disease and other chronic conditions, diabetes is another prevalent disease that has a significant impact on men’s health. The incidence of type 2 diabetes has tripled over the last twenty years, making it one of the most common diseases today. For people with diabetes, glucose (sugar) builds up in the bloodstream due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. This results in numerous health risks and complications. Diabetes is described as silent because it often goes undetected until complications arise. However, routine screening can detect pre-diabetes and diabetes, allowing early intervention to prevent complications (Abid et al., 2016).
In general, screening for diabetes is recommended if you have one or more of the following risk factors: overweight or obese, physically inactive, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or family history of diabetes (siblings or parents). Because of the high level of sugar in the blood, people with diabetes may have symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, blurred vision, tingling in the hands or feet, and unexplained weight loss. Regardless of symptoms, screening is recommended if you are over 45. If screening is normal, it should be repeated every three years. If you are younger than 45 but have one or more risk factors, screening is also recommended. If screening is normal, it should be repeated every one to two years, depending on the level of risk.
A fasting glucose test is the most common screening test for diabetes and pre-diabetes. Eight hours before the test, abstain from food and drinks except for water. After the fasting period, blood is drawn either from a vein or a finger prick. A fasting blood sugar level of less than 100 mg/dL is normal. A level between 100 and 125 is pre-diabetes, and a level of 126 or higher indicates diabetes. As a more convenient alternative to fasting glucose testing, hemoglobin A1c measurement can be used. The A1c test shows average blood sugar levels over the past three months and does not require fasting. An A1c level of less than 5.7 is normal, 5.7 to 6.4 indicates pre-diabetes, and 6.5 or higher indicates diabetes.
For those diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, actively managing blood sugar levels is crucial, as this significantly reduces the risk of complications. Even a small percentage of weight loss (5% to 10%) can be very helpful, and this can be done through diet and exercise. Never hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider about the concerns or risks of having diabetes. Together, a plan can be developed to track blood sugar levels and make necessary lifestyle modifications.
Lifestyle Factors that Impact Preventive Care
Lifestyle choices have a fundamental impact on health and the effectiveness of preventive care. The fact is, in many ways, health is in the hands of the individual. While the right screenings and tests can point out potential risks and problem areas, it is what is done with that information that will dictate whether or not health improves or declines. Thus, it is essential to understand the lifestyle factors that can increase or decrease the effectiveness of preventive care.
Many factors play a key role in health, but the four essential determinants are diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption. Each of these can be a major risk factor for disease, but the good news is that with healthy habits, their negative effects can be significantly reduced (Hildt-Ciupińska and Pawłowska-Cyprysiak, 2020). Furthermore, the positive effects of these lifestyle changes can enhance the results and benefits of the screenings and tests outlined in this guide. Unfortunately, poor choices in any of these areas can wipe out the positive effects from preventive care.
Addressing health concerns is as much about awareness and education as it is about personal responsibility and enactment. It is important to understand that aspect of health — no one else can do it for you. In many cases, a healthcare professional can prescribe the path to better health options and offer tools for success, but it is up to the individual to take the steps necessary to make healthier choices. On the other hand, it is vital to keep in mind that good health extends beyond just diet and exercise. Psychological factors are equally important to overall well-being, so stress management should also be considered part of a preventative care strategy (Zwolinsky et al., 2016). Additionally, with regarding risk reduction, men should be encouraged to look holistically at their health — both physical and mental. Still, it should be noted that many of the suggested lifestyle changes are intended to improve physical health. Finally, outside community resources can be a significant asset in the effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many local organizations take a proactive approach to health and offer free or low-cost programs and services that can be used as a support system to help motivate and maintain good health.
An important topic that needs more discussion is man health. The fact “men die younger than women from many common preventable conditions,” (M Robertson et al., 2008) calls for urgency. Many men do not take the steps necessary to engage with their health care. Men must confront their reluctance toward preventive health care. Many attitudes and behaviors negatively affect men’s health, but understanding and awareness can result in behavioral changes.
There are specific steps men can take to address health issues from the inside out. The best way to avoid health problems is to catch them early, before they turn fatal or life-changing. Prioritizing health is about being conscious of habits and respecting the body, but individuals must also consider family history and make choices accordingly. Preventive screenings and tests are crucial in catching problems before they escalate. Simple tests measuring vital signs can lead to early detection and better outcomes (M. Saab et al., 2019).
Much of the information and education surrounding health issues is directed toward women, and men’s issues are often forgotten. This needs to change on multiple levels, including educational initiatives in schools, government funding and support for health campaigns targeted toward men, societal shifts in priorities, and ultimately personal choices.