Facts show that men don’t visit the doctor as often as women, even though men are more prone to serious illnesses.
Men are 1.5 times more likely than women to die from
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Lung disease
Change the statistics with the following simple steps
- Establish a relationship with a healthcare provider ““ be proactive and set the appointment when you aren’t sick.
- Get the screenings (screenings are tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms. Blood pressure checks and tests for high blood cholesterol are examples of screenings) and immunizations you need at the times recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Learn the symptoms of the above diseases and call your healthcare provider if any of the symptoms occur. No burying your head in the sand”early treatment equals better outcomes!
AHRQ: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 2014 Recommendations Health Maintenance for Men
Men 18 to 21
| Wellness Schedule | Screening Schedule |
Immunization Schedule |
| Wellness visit every year | HIV test one time during adulthood (through age 64).Hepatitis C Test if you are currently an injection drug user, you should be screened regularly. | Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years.**Flu vaccine every year. |
Men 22 to 49
| Wellness Schedule | Screening Schedule |
Immunization Schedule |
| Wellness visit at least once every 4 years | Blood pressure check every 2 years.Cholesterol check every 5 years, beginning at age 35.HIV test one time during adulthood (through age 64).
Hepatitis C test one time during adulthood if you were born 1945-1965; you have ever injected drugs; you received a blood transfusion before 1992. If you are currently an injection drug user, you should be screened regularly. |
Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years.**Flu vaccine every year. |
Men 50 to 64
| Wellness Schedule | Screening Schedule |
Immunization Schedule |
| Wellness visit every 2 years | Cholesterol check every 5 years. Blood pressure check every 2 years.HIV test one time during adulthood (through age 64).
Colon cancer screening: talk with your doctor about the best method for you. Discuss prostate cancer screening with your doctor. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (aaa) screening: One-time screening for men aged 55-64 who have a family history of aaa (parent, brother, or sister). Hepatitis C test one time during adulthood if you were born 1945-1965. |
Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years.**Flu vaccine every year.Shingles vaccine once in a lifetime for ages 60 and older (not for persons who are immune suppressed). |
Men 65 and older
| Wellness Schedule | Screening Schedule |
Immunization Schedule |
| Well-care visit every year | Cholesterol check every 5 years through age 79; after age 79, discuss with your doctor.Blood pressure check every yearVision and hearing checks every year.
Colon cancer screening: talk with your doctor about the best method for you. Men aged 75 and older, regular screening isn’t generally recommended. If you wish to continue screening, talk with your doctor. Prostate cancer screening: discuss with your doctor. Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (aaa): One-time screening for men aged 65 and older who have a family history of aaa (parent, brother, or sister) or who smoked 100 cigarettes or more in their lifetime. Hepatitis C test one time during adulthood if you were born 1945-1965. |
Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years.**Pneumococcal vaccine one time for ages 65 and older.Flu vaccine every year.
Shingles vaccine once in a lifetime for ages 60 and older (not for persons who are immune suppressed). |
Steps to Good Health
- Be physically active and make healthy food choices
- Get to a healthy weight and stay there (A good goal is a BMI below 30)
- Be tobacco free
- Have no more than two drinks per day if you are 65 or younger. If you are older than 65, have no more than one drink per day
- Talk to your healthcare provider about being screened for depression if you have felt “down”, sad, or hopeless, or experienced decreased pleasure in doing things.
Men can lead longer, healthier lives if they take steps to prevent disease. Visit www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patientinvolvement/healthy-men/index.htmlto learn more about taking better care of you.
