Men’s Health Issues

Men have unique health issues at different stages of their lives.  It is important for men to keep on top of their health at any age and there are checkups, tests and screenings that are able to detect disease early and recommend treatments.  Some of these preventive treatments may be low cost or even free depending on which Boston insurance plan you have.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following tests for men:

-    Colorectal cancer: tests should start at age 50, or earlier if there is a family history of the disease.
-    High blood pressure: a reading of more than 140/90 is considered high.  Tests should start at age 18 and be repeated every 2 years.
-    Depression: emotional problems can go undetected for many years and it is important to discuss with your doctor any prolonged feelings or sadness or disinterest you may be experiencing.
-    Diabetes: Type II is more common these days and it can affect the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys, feet and nerves.
-    High cholesterol:  cholesterol tests should be done from age 35, or even younger for those who are smokers, obese, or who have heart disease or diabetes.
-    HIV: testing should be done for those who have had unprotected sex with men or with multiple partners, who use injected drugs or who had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985.
-    Weight: this is often done with a BMI reading.  A BMI of greater than 30 may indicate obesity which can increase the risk of other diseases.

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