When life gets busy, it can be easy to put your health on the back burner, especially if you feel fine. But regular checkups and screenings can help catch potential health concerns early, when they may be easier to treat.
Think of preventive care like a regular pit stop for your health. You may feel like everything is running smoothly, but routine check-ins help your provider spot small issues before they become bigger problems down the road.
“Many men tend to put their health in the back seat, especially when life gets busy or they feel fine,” said Dr. Brian Klostermann. “But routine screenings and annual wellness visits can help identify risks early, when conditions are often easier to manage or treat. Preventive care is one of the most important ways men can protect their long-term health.”
Men’s health screenings are not one-size-fits-all. What you need depends on your age, personal health history, family history and risk factors. That is why having a primary care provider you trust is important.
Preventive care gives you and your provider a chance to look at the full picture of your health. The goal is to identify risks early and help you stay healthy for the long run.
Whether you are due for a routine checkup or have been ignoring a warning light, your provider can help you get back on track.
Don’t Wait Until Something Feels Wrong
You don’t need to feel sick to benefit from a yearly visit with your primary care provider. In fact, one of the best times to talk about your health is when you feel well.
Even if you feel healthy, this visit helps you build a relationship with your primary care provider and stay on track with recommended screenings. Your provider can review your blood pressure, weight, medications, lifestyle habits, family history and any concerns you may have.
Just like a pit crew checks more than the tires, your provider looks at the full picture of what helps keep you moving — physically, mentally and emotionally.
This is also a good time to talk openly about topics that may feel uncomfortable, including:
- Fatigue or low energy
- Sleep problems
- Stress, anxiety or depression
- Sexual health
- Urinary changes
- Alcohol or tobacco use
- Weight changes
- Family history of cancer, heart disease or diabetes
The more your provider knows, the better they can help you make a plan that fits your life.
Download the Men’s Health Screening Guide and bring it to your next annual wellness visit. It can serve as your personal “pit stop checklist” to help you talk with your provider about which screenings are best for you.
Pit Stops For Your Health
Your 20s and 30s are a good time to establish care with a primary care provider and understand your baseline health numbers.
This is the starting line for your long-term health. Knowing your numbers now can make it easier to notice changes later.
At this age, your provider may check your:
- Blood pressure
- Weight and body mass index
- Cholesterol, depending on your risk
- Blood sugar, depending on your risk
- Mental health
- Tobacco, alcohol and substance use
- Immunization status
- Skin health
- Sexual health and sexually transmitted infection risk
If heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or certain cancers run in your family, tell your provider. Your family history may affect when you should begin certain screenings.
Your 40s are often when health risks become more noticeable. Even if you feel well, this is a key time to watch your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and blood sugar.
Consider this an important checkpoint. Your provider can help you look under the hood and understand whether your health risks are changing.
Your provider may recommend screenings for:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes or prediabetes
- Heart disease risk
- Colorectal cancer, usually beginning at age 45 for people at average risk
- Prostate cancer risk, depending on your health history, symptoms and family history
This is also a good time to ask about symptoms you may be tempted to ignore, such as changes in urination, low energy, erectile dysfunction, chest discomfort, shortness of breath or changes in bowel habits.
If something feels off, do not wait for it to slow you down. Your provider can help you decide what needs attention and what steps to take next.
In your 50s, preventive care becomes even more important. Screenings can help detect cancer, heart disease and other conditions before symptoms become serious.
At this stage, staying current with screenings can help keep you in the driver’s seat when it comes to your health.
Talk with your provider about:
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Prostate cancer screening and PSA testing
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol screening
- Diabetes screening
- Lung cancer screening, if you have a history of smoking
- Vaccines, including shingles and flu
- Weight, nutrition and activity goals
Your provider can help you understand which tests are right for you and how often you need them.
As you get older, screenings can help you stay active, independent and connected to the people and activities you enjoy.
The goal is not just to keep going — it is to keep going strong. Regular checkups can help you maintain your momentum and adjust your care plan as your needs change.
Your provider may focus on:
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes management
- Cancer screenings, based on your age and health history
- Bone health
- Vision and hearing
- Fall risk
- Memory concerns
- Medication review
- Vaccines, including pneumonia, flu, COVID-19 and shingles
This is also a good time to talk about your goals for aging well, including staying active, managing chronic conditions and maintaining quality of life.
Download Your Men’s Health Screening Guide
Download Men’s Health Screening Guide(PDF, 250KB)
You do not have to keep track of every screening on your own. Use our Men’s Health Screening Guide to see which screenings may be recommended at different ages and what to discuss with your provider.
Bring the guide to your next appointment as a simple checklist for your health pit stop. It can help you start the conversation, ask better questions and make sure you are staying on course.
Make Your Health a Priority
Taking care of your health does not have to be complicated. Start with one appointment. Your primary care provider can help you understand your risks, answer your questions and create a plan that works for you.
You do not have to overhaul everything at once. One checkup, one conversation or one screening can be the next right step.
If it has been more than a year since your last checkup — or if something has been on your mind — now is a good time to schedule a visit.
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