MDNews - Southern Indiana

WITH REGUL AR HE ALTH SCREENINGS, YOUR HE ALTHCARE PROVIDER CAN DE TECT MEDICAL CONDITIONS E ARLY £ WHEN THE Y ARE E A SIEST TO MANAGE. TESTS FOR MEN TOP WITH REGUL AR HE ALTH SCREENINGS, YOUR HE ALTHCARE PROVIDER CAN DE TECT MEDICAL CONDITIONS E ARLY £ WHEN THE Y ARE E A SIEST Healthy Habits for Life Following a few key well- ness tips can help men feel healthier and more energized at any age. + Choose healthy foods. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains to keep your heart as healthy as possible. + Move. Regular exercise boosts energy and mood, helps keep weight in check, strengthens bones and muscles, and may decrease the likelihood of developing heart disease and certain types of cancer. Take daily walks, lift weights or throw the football after dinner. Make it fun! + Sleep. Getting enough rest every night may enhance the immune system, improve mood and sharpen your ability to function the next day. the football after dinner. Make it fun! + Sleep. Getting enough rest every night may enhance the immune system, improve mood and sharpen your ability to function the next day. THROUGHOUT ADULTHOOD, SE VER AL key tests can help ensure that men stay as healthy for as long as possible. According t o t he U. S . Depa r t ment of Hea lt h & Human Services, tests recommended for men by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force include: + Blood pressure test — Beginning at age 18, blood pressure screenings are recommended at least every two years. However, if the systolic pressure (the top number on the blood pressure fraction) is between 120 and 139 and the diastolic pressure (the number on the bottom of the fraction) is between 80 and 89 mmHg o r a b o v e , y o u m a y n e e d s c r e e n - ings annua lly. + Cholesterol test — Men age 20 and older may need regular cholesterol screenings, especially if they have an increased risk for heart disease. + Colorectal cancer screening — Men age 50 and older should have this test every 10 years to detect colorectal cancer or precancerous growths called polyps. If there is a family history of colorectal diseases, doctors may recommend tests earlier or more often. + Diabetes screening — Blood glucose test s shou ld be per for med i f blood pressure is 135/80 or higher or if you have high blood pressure that requires medication. Regular screenings may also be suggested for men with body mass index (BMI) that is higher than 25. Men of Asian descent may need screenings if BMI is more than 23. + Prostate cancer screening — Men between the ages of 50 and 70 should have a conversation with their doctors about prostate cancer and a prostate ca ncer screening. A prostate ca ncer screening may include a prostate exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Talk with your healthcare provider about which screenings might be right for you and learn what type of tests are covered by your insurance. ■ 0 6SPECIAL CLINICAL SECTION: MEN'S HEALTH

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