This week is National Men's Health Week, so it's a fitting time to encourage the men in your life to see their doctors. A health checkup can be a daunting prospect for any man, but the truth is, doctor visits and medical tests can lead to lifesaving treatments when diseases are caught in their early and most treatable stages. More good news: If your loved ones are following the South Beach Diet lifestyle, they've already taken an important step toward a journey of lifelong health. So, why not have them take the extra precaution of checking in with their doctors? Here is a list of some screenings recommended for the men in your life by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of experts that makes recommendations based on scientific evidence.
Cholesterol checks. Men should have this simple blood test done every five years beginning at age 35. Smokers, people with diabetes, and those with a history of heart disease should get their cholesterol checked more frequently, starting at age 20.
Blood-pressure checks. This should be done at least every two years.
Diabetes screening. While the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend routine diabetes screenings, they do advise diabetes testing for people with high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure. Have your loved ones check with their physicians to see whether diabetes screening makes sense for them.
Also consider prostate-cancer screening. At this time, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend routine prostate-cancer screenings. But men can discuss the possibility of prostate-cancer screenings with their physician, who can help determine whether testing is appropriate for them.
Men should check with their doctor about additional recommended screenings, particularly if they may be at high risk or have a family history of illness or disease.