Common Health Concerns for Men

Most men don’t give much thought to their health. Instead, they focus on their families, careers, and other responsibilities. However, the team at Flying Horse Medical Center in Colorado Springs & Monument believe your health should be your top priority;  if you’re not taking care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of the other things in your life.

We believe that it’s important to understand the most common health concerns for men and the screenings/tests that can diagnose these concerns so that you can get treated early. In this article, we’ll outline the top health concerns and testing for men.

Top 13 Health Concerns & Tests

When it comes to men’s health, there are several concerns that could be serious and should be monitored regularly, including:

Heart Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men. The top risk factors include smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Testing for heart health includes:

• Blood pressure measurement to identify and control hypertension
• Blood tests to measure cholesterol levels
• EKG or ECG to check for abnormal heart rhythms and other heart issues
• Stress tests to assess heart health, especially in high-risk patients

Prostate Health

Prostate issues, including cancer, are a significant concern for men.

Testing for prostate health includes:

• PSA blood test to measure the level of PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, in the blood
• Physical exam know as a digital rectal examination to check for abnormalities

Colon Health

The chance of a male developing colon cancer is 1 in 22. This is the second leading cause of death from cancer in males.

Testing for colon health includes:

• Stool sample test, known as fecal occult blood test, to detect blood in the colon
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine the lower part of the colon
• Colonoscopy is recommended for patients around the age of 45 and is the gold standard for detecting colon cancer

Lung Health

Respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, are common among men.

Testing for lung health includes:

• Pulmonary function testing to evaluate lung function
• Chest x-rays and/or CT scans for patients with risk factors

Bone Health

Most people believe that osteoporosis and bone health are concerns for women- but these issues are just as common among men.

Testing for bone health includes:

• DEXA, or bone density, scan to measure bone density and assess fracture risk

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is common in male patients.

Testing for diabetes includes:

• Fasting blood test to measure glucose levels following an overnight fast
• OGTT, or oral glucose tolerance test, to measure how the body processes glucose
• A1c test to get an overall picture of blood sugar levels over the previous months

Testicular Health

Testicular cancer is common in middle-aged and younger men.

Testing for testicular health includes:

• Regular self-exams to detect abnormalities

Sexual Health

Sexual health issues including erectile dysfunction, ejaculation issues including premature ejaculation or delayed ejaculation, low libido, and more can affect men. This also includes being aware of sexually transmitted infections.

Testing depends on your specific concern. If STIs are a concern, regular testing should be done. Discuss your concerns with your medical provider to learn more about your options.

Mental Health

Men experience a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety and depression. If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of mental health issues, consult your healthcare provider to find out the best treatment options.

Skin Health

Skin cancer is common in men, especially those who are exposed to the sun on a regular or prolonged period.

The primary testing for skin cancer is self-exams. If you notice changes, a dermatologist can diagnose and treat any issues.

Vision/Eye Health

Vision and eye health concerns can happen at any time.

Testing for eye health and vision concerns includes annual eye exams, especially if you already wear glasses and/or contacts.

Dental Health

Oral health, including gum disease, can have an impact on your overall health. The American Dental Association recommends that patients visit the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning to maintain oral health.

Schedule Your Men’s Health Visit with Flying Horse Medical Center

The best way to take control of your health is to be proactive. Regular check-ups and testing can identify issues early so they can be treated. There are several things that can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being including testing, adopting a healthy lifestyle, stress management, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Schedule your men’s health visit with Flying Horse Medical Center in Colorado Springs & Monument.