If you or your husband are anything like mine, it’s impossible to get them to go to the doctor.  “I feel fine, I don’t need to go to the doctor if I’m not sick,” is something I hear all too often. 

Clearly, I’m not the only one that’s heard this, because there’s an entire month dedicated to the awareness of men’s health.

The goal of Men’s Health Month is to shed light on the health issues that men face and ways to detect and prevent those issues.

Men’s Health Month recommends the following checkups and screenings.

Talk to your doctor about whether these screenings are appropriate for you as well as how frequently you should be screened.

  • Blood pressure check – determine if your blood pressure is within a healthy range
  • Tuberculosis skin test – depending on your occupation and exposure, you may need this test.
  • Blood tests and urinalysis – screen for illnesses and diseases
  • EKG – check for heart abnormalities
  • Tetanus booster – to prevent lockjaw 
  • Rectal exam – check for lower rectal problems and colon or prostate cancer
  • PSA blood test – check for prostate cancer
  • Colorectal Health (colonoscopy, hemoccult, sigmoidoscopy) – check for colon cancer
  • Chest x-ray (for smokers) – check for lung cancer
  • Self-exams (testicular, skin, oral) – check for testicular, skin or cancerous oral lesions
  • Bone health (bone density test) – determine your bone mineral density
  • Testosterone screening – check for low testosterone
  • Sexually transmitted disease screening – at-risk adults should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases

You should also have an annual checkup with your primary care physician. Talk to them about any medications you are currently taking and any health concerns you may have.

Many of these screenings are covered at 100% by your health plan.  Check your benefits and set up your appointment.  Try scheduling these screenings each June so it’s easy to remember when to go each year. 

Even if you’re not sick- get in to see the doctor for an annual checkup.  It’s just once a year and it might just save your life.