Men, it's time to see the doctor
Depression
Depression is real and it doesn't care what gender you are. Men are often taught to be tough and hide their feelings, which can be damaging to their emotional health and wellbeing. It's important that men get screened for depression (and answer the questions honestly) to help them and their doctors recognize any underlying issues that need to be addressed and treated.
Physical
If men want to be proactive about their health, they need to schedule an annual visit with their doctor. Routine physicals help track a patient's health throughout the years and can identify any potential health concerns before they turn into problems.
Obesity
Men may not want to talk about their growing midsection, but it's important for their health that they're screened for obesity by their MDs. Even doctors can be hesitant to mention a patient's weight, but according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, all adults need to be evaluated based on their BMI to identify any weight-related health concerns (like high blood pressure, stroke and more).
Blood pressure
Men between the ages of 18 and 39 need to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. Once they turn 40, it's necessary to monitor their BP every year. Knowing your baseline is important, as is monitoring for fluctuations in blood pressure which can signal other health problems, like cardiovascular disease.
STD and STI tests
Any man who is sexually active, and especially if they have multiple sex partners, needs to be tested regularly for STDs and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS, gonnorhea, chlamydia, herpes and more. Just because a man doesn't have any outward signs of infection does not mean he's in the clear. Only a doctor can give a patient a clean bill of sexual health.
Testicular exam
Men and even boys need to have annual testicular exams and may benefit from performing monthly self-checks to feel for any lumps or unusual changes. Since men of any age can develop testicular cancer, it's important that they become familiar with what their testicals feel and look like so they can detect any changes. When found early, testicular cancer can be treated and cured.
