Men’s Health Month: Take Charge of Your Health Today
June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the health challenges men face and encouraging early detection and treatment of diseases affecting men. At Family Medical Centers we’re here to support men in making their health a priority—not just this month, but all year long.
Why Men’s Health Month Matters
Men are statistically less likely than women to visit a doctor regularly or seek preventive care. As a result, many health issues may go undetected until they become serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men die at higher rates from heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries1.
Men’s Health Month is a reminder to break the silence around men’s health and to encourage proactive, preventive care.
Key Screenings Every Man Should Consider
Preventive screenings save lives. Here are some essential screenings and checkups that men should discuss with their healthcare provider:
1. Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to heart disease or stroke. Everyone age 3 or older should have their blood pressure checked by their provider at least once a year.
If you have high blood pressure or are at higher risk for it, you may need testing more often. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are 40 years old or older
- Are overweight or have obesity
- Have a family history of heart disease or diabetes
- Have a family history of high blood pressure
- Take medicines that can increase your blood pressure
- Are Black/African American. Black/African Americans are more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to have high blood pressure
2. Cholesterol Check
Cholesterol should be checked starting early in life—even children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked. Your cholesterol level and other health conditions will determine the frequency of testing. Managing your cholesterol helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Starting around age 55 (or earlier if there’s a family history), talk with your provider about whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is right for you.
4. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Beginning at age 45, men should get screened for colorectal cancer. Options include a colonoscopy or stool-based tests.
5. Diabetes Screening
Type 2 diabetes can go unnoticed for years. Screening for diabetes is recommended if you have symptoms of diabetes such as (increased thirst/urination/hunger, blurry vision, wounds that heal slowly, etc.) or if you have risk factors which include:
- Have overweight or obesity
- Are age 45 or older
- Have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- Are physically active less than 3 times a week
- Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native person
- Some Pacific Islander people and Asian American people also have a higher risk
6. Mental Health Check-Ins
Depression, anxiety, and stress are common but often overlooked in men. Your provider can help connect you to resources and support when you need it most.
Healthy Habits for Lifelong Wellness
In addition to regular screenings, men can improve overall health by:
- Staying physically active (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly)
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress
Your Health, Your Priority
Men’s Health Month is the perfect time to schedule a checkup, ask questions, and make your health a priority. Whether it’s your first visit in years or part of your annual routine, your provider is your partner in staying healthy.
Ready to take the first step? Click here to easily find a Family Medical Centers services provider by name, specialty, or the location most convenient for you.
References:
Footnotes
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Prostate Cancer Early Detection. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Leading Causes of Death in Males, United States. https://www.cdc.gov/men/lcod/index.htm
- CDC. (2024). Diabetes testing. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-testing/index.html
- CDC. (2024). Testing for cholesterol. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/testing/index.html
- Medline. (2024). Measuring blood pressure. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/measuring-blood-pressure/
- USPSTF. (2018). Prostate cancer: Screening. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/prostate-cancer-screening
