Regular physical exams offer important insight into your health and body as you age. It’s a way to detect health issues before they become significant health issues, which is why physical wellness exams are extremely important for men of all ages.
For many men, staying healthy can mean hitting the gym, eating better or trying to get more sleep. But wellness also means knowing what’s happening inside your body. Regular physicals and preventive screenings can help catch potential health problems early, when they may be easier to treat, and give you a clearer picture of where your health stands.
Regular Physical Exams
Males older than 50 should have a yearly physical exam, and those younger than 50 should have a physical exam every three to five years. Even if you’re feeling healthy, a regular checkup with your healthcare team is an excellent way to validate your health or identify a problem in its early stages. The start of an exam for everyone typically includes some basic tests to offer a quick health snapshot. You can expect tests looking at: Blood pressure, Heart rate, Body temperature, Breathing and heart sounds, Eyes and Ears, Height and weight, Blood test and Prostate exam.
Topics to discuss at a wellness check
Expect to have a conversation about healthy living. Expect to chat about the importance of exercise and nutrition for keeping your body in tip-top shape.
A wellness check also offers an opportunity to discuss or receive several important vaccines to protect your health. You can get a seasonal flu shot to guard against influenza and receive updated COVID-19 vaccines. The new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is available, which is particularly recommended if you are age 60 or older.
If you are age 50 or older, you can discuss receiving the shingles vaccine. Additionally, you can get an updated tetanus shot, which is recommended every 10 years, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine to guard against pneumonia.
This National Wellness Month, let your health be part of the conversation. Taking care of yourself isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a commitment to being there for yourself and the people who count on you.
Make the appointment, ask the questions and stay on top of your checkups. Your health deserves the same attention you give to everything else in your life.
