Men’s preventive healthcare: What to prioritize at every age
- Category: Men's Health, Screenings, Preventive Care
- Posted on:
Many men don’t prioritize their health. They often skip routine checkups and age-specific screenings. Prioritizing preventive and whole-person care at every stage of life can support long-term health and well-being. Now’s the time to make your health a priority. Taking care of yourself today can help you show up for the people who count on you tomorrow.
Key takeaways
- Men’s preventive care and health screenings vary by decade and aid in early disease detection, which saves lives.
- Whole-person care incorporates both physical and mental healthcare, as well as ongoing support and education, daily habits, and disease prevention.
- Knowing your family history is important to personalizing care and treatment.
Men are less likely to seek preventative care and more likely to delay treatment or skip routine checkups. Regular checkups, health screenings, and healthy habits can help you live longer and stay stronger.
Build your stronger, healthier life. Small changes make a big difference. Your body is built for action – give it what it needs.
Don’t know where to begin? We’ve created a simple, age-by-age checklist focused on what to do and when to help you stay ahead of potential health issues.
This isn’t just a list of screenings—it’s a roadmap for your physical, mental, and long-term health at every stage of life.
Why preventive healthcare matters
Preventive care is the key to a healthy life at every age. This is particularly true for men who have unique health risks, such as:
But preventive care isn’t limited to checkups and health screenings. At LCMC Health, we take a whole-person approach to men’s health, addressing both physical and mental health concerns at every stage of life.
Now let’s jump in and learn what to focus on and when.
Jump to your age group
In your 20s: Build your health foundation
Your 20s are the ideal time to establish healthy habits that can benefit you for decades to come. While serious health concerns may not seem like an immediate priority, routine preventive care can help identify potential issues early, keep vaccinations up to date, and support your physical and mental well-being.
An annual wellness visit provides an opportunity to monitor key health indicators, discuss lifestyle habits, and build a relationship with a primary care provider who can help guide your healthcare decisions as you age. Whether you're managing stress, staying active, or simply learning more about your health, the choices you make now can have a lasting impact on your future well-being.
Annual:
- Blood pressure
- Weight and BMI
- Mental health screening
- Alcohol and tobacco use screening
As needed:
- STI screening
- Testicular exam (clinical or self-awareness)
- Vaccinations, including HPV if not previously completed
Learn why having a primary care provider matters.
In your 30s: Stay ahead of hidden risks
Your 30s are often filled with competing responsibilities—from career growth and family obligations to financial goals and busy schedules. While it may be tempting to put your health on the back burner, this decade is an important time to stay proactive about preventive care.
Many chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, can develop without noticeable symptoms. Regular screenings and wellness visits can help identify these concerns early, when they are often easier to manage. Maintaining healthy habits, staying physically active, and keeping up with routine healthcare can help protect your long-term health and well-being.
Annual:
- Blood pressure
- Weight and BMI
- Mental health screening
Regular screenings:
- Cholesterol screening every 4-6 years, or more frequently based on your risk factors
Risk-based:
- Diabetes screening
- Liver health screening
In your 40s: Prioritize prevention
Your 40s are a pivotal decade for preventive healthcare. As the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers increases with age, regular screenings become even more important. Staying proactive now can help detect concerns early, when treatment is often most effective.
This is also a good time to take a closer look at lifestyle factors that influence long-term health, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and tobacco or alcohol use. Small changes can have a significant impact on your health in the years ahead.
Annual:
- Blood pressure
- Mental health screening
Routine:
- Cholesterol Screening
- Diabetes screening
- Discuss prostate cancer screening with your provider
Starting at 45:
- Colon cancer screening
In your 50s and 60s: Protect long-term health
Continue routine screenings, plus:
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Colon cancer screening
- Cholesterol monitoring
- Diabetes monitoring
- Mental health screening
Talk With Your Provider About
- Prostate cancer screening and your individual risk factors
- Lung cancer screening if you are between ages 50 and 80 and have a history of heavy smoking
65 and beyond: Stay strong and independent
Healthy aging starts with staying proactive about your health. Regular checkups, screenings, and preventive care can help you maintain your independence, reduce your risk of serious illness, and continue doing the things you enjoy. As you get older, healthcare becomes less about treating problems and more about preserving your quality of life.
Routine screenings and assessments can help identify changes in your health early, allowing you and your provider to take action before they affect your daily activities, mobility, or overall well-being.
Continue routine screenings, plus:
- Blood pressure
- Colon cancer screening
- Cholesterol monitoring
- Diabetes monitoring
Additional screenings and assessments:
- One-time abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening for men ages 65-75 with a history of smoking
- Vision exams
- Hearing checks
- Fall risk assessment
Screenings may vary based on health history and risk factors. Talk with your provider about what’s right for you.
Don’t forget about your mental and emotional health
Mental health is men’s health
Mental health is a vital part of your overall strength. Men are less likely to talk about it, but your mind needs care, just like your body.
Common concerns:
- Stress and burnout
- Depression and persistent sadness
- Anxiety and constant worry
- Substance use as a coping mechanism
Warning signs to watch for in yourself or a friend:
- Increased irritability or anger
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of interest in hobbies or people
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
Strength is knowing when to reach out, knowing you don’t have to handle it alone, and knowing when to talk to someone. Talking about it is a sign of strength.
Build a stronger, healthier life
Healthy habits play a key role in preventing disease and supporting your overall well-being at every age. Small changes make a big impact, and it’s never too late to start.
Move more:
- Aim for 150 minutes of activity each week
- Build strength: add resistance training 2x per week to support bone and muscle health
- Walking, lifting, swimming…it all counts!
Fuel for performance:
- Prioritize lean proteins, fruits and vegetables
- Stay hydrated. Water is essential for every system in your body.
- Whole grains for energy
- Limit processed foods and sugary drinks
Protect your health:
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol
- Stay up to date on vaccines
Move. Fuel. Rest. Repeat. Show up for yourself and keep going.
Know your family history
Knowing your family health history helps you and your doctor understand your risks for certain conditions. This information helps your provider recommend the right screenings and preventive care.
Talk to your family about:
- Heart disease
- Prostate and colorectal cancer
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Osteoporosis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Depression and other mental health conditions
Once you know your risk, talk to your primary care provider.
Take action today
While you can’t control your genetics, you can take steps today to protect your health.
Start by taking the following actions:
- Schedule a wellness checkup
- Schedule overdue screenings
- Learn your family history
- Make small, healthy changes
- Talk to your doctor
Many serious conditions don't show early symptoms
Why men delay care
- “I feel fine” – even when something may be wrong
- Busy schedules and work demands
- Avoiding uncomfortable conversations
- Waiting until symptoms get worse
Don’t wait for symptoms
You don’t have to feel sick to have a health problem
Pay attention to:
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Ongoing fatigue
- Changes in weight
- Persistent pain or discomfort
If something feels “off” – get it checked
Make time for your health
Need help getting started? Visit www.lcmchealth.org
Need help or have questions or concerns regarding your health or seeking care? Not sure where to go? Our FREE Nurse Hotline is standing by! Whether you're a new or existing patient, our team of nurses is here to answer your health questions and help find the care that's best for you.
Call us 504.962.6202
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