Statistics show that men are less likely to get tested to know the state of their health than women. About 26 percent of men in the United States do not have a regular source of healthcare.1
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Why it is important to get tested
Regular doctor visits and screening tests are crucial to detect early signs and symptoms of diseases when treatments work best. Screening should typically begin at the age of 35 and 20 for those with certain risk factors.
Like getting a Preventive Maintenance Service for your vehicle, routine checkups are key to keep the body running in good condition. Your test results will tell you where your health stands and what you need to do to achieve a healthier version of yourself.
What tests men should take
With all the pressure and stresses of today’s world, the body faces early depreciation than ever. To combat this, here are some tests that will help determine what changes men need to keep themselves strong and healthy.
Blood Pressure Test
A blood pressure test helps you track your heart health. It measures the pressure in the heart’s arteries as the heart pumps. This test is part of a doctor’s appointment to screen for high blood pressure or irregularities in the blood pressure.
Blood Sugar Test
This test measures the amount of glucose in the blood. A Blood sugar test is important for screening diabetes, pre-diabetes, and insulin resistance.
Bone Density Test
A bone density test measures the strength of your bones and determines the risk of a fracture or bone conditions such as osteoporosis. Even if osteoporosis is more common in women, men can get it too.
Cholesterol Test
High cholesterol can cause heart disease. This test checks your total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
If you are a man over 40, you should consider taking a colon cancer test. Screenings such as sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and fecal occult blood tests can help detect colon cancer.
Eye Exam
Hypermetropia, Glaucoma, Myopia, and Cataracts are just a few eye conditions that come with aging. Several eye conditions such as glaucoma can be prevented and treated early with regular eye exams.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
A PSA test helps detect prostate cancer. This test backs the findings of a digital rectal exam, another test to find early signs of prostate cancer and other problems with the prostate gland.
Medicare helps you get tested
Following a routine checkup can cost you. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, Medicare covers these tests:2
- Digital Rectal Exam: Once every 12 months for men who are over 50
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Once every 12 months for those who are over 50
- Fecal Occult Blood Tests: Once every 12 months for those who are over 50
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopies: Once every 48 months for those who are over 50
- Colonoscopy: Once every 24 months for high risk, once every 120 months for low risk, or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy
If you’re putting your tests on hold because of cost, Medicare or other health insurance plans may be able to help you.
Also, know that even healthy men need health screenings too.
Don’t know if you’re eligible for Medicare? Check out this article to learn more.
Learn more about Medicare
References:
1 Healthline. (2017, November 27). Medical Tests Every Man Should Get. https://www.healthline.com/health/top-10-tests-men-should-get
2 Medicare.gov (2020, June 4). Be a “wise guy” – know the importance of health screenings. https://www.medicare.gov/blog/importance-of-health-screenings-2020
