{"id":31939,"date":"2024-05-27T14:56:44","date_gmt":"2024-05-27T18:56:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/?p=31939"},"modified":"2025-01-15T09:32:09","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T14:32:09","slug":"what-health-appointments-should-men-make-as-they-age","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/blog\/what-health-appointments-should-men-make-as-they-age\/","title":{"rendered":"What Health Appointments Should Men Make as They Age"},"content":{"rendered":"

Being on top of your health and checking in when you suspect health issues is important for a healthy life. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>Unfortunately, several studies have shown that men are less likely than women to seek primary care for both their physical health care and their mental health care needs. That\u2019s a major problem because they will miss opportunities for appropriate screening, preventative care, and early detection of certain diseases.<\/span>
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\n<\/span>Practicing proactive health by getting screenings at recommended ages even before symptoms arrive can help improve longevity and quality of life. In this blog, we outline the key appointments you need to maintain your health and which tests you need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Doctor appointments men should make annually, no matter their age<\/b><\/h4>\n

Primary care doctors<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Once you hit 18, it\u2019s time to switch from a pediatrician to a <\/span>family doctor<\/span><\/a> or general practitioner, who helps people at any age maintain good health. At the appointment, your doctor will perform a physical exam to collect your basic health information, check vital signs, and keep an eye on your health trends over time. They also ensure you get recommended screenings and vaccinations depending on your age and risk factors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t have any pressing health concerns to discuss with your doctor, you may not need an annual check-up. Depending on your age and health risks, you may be able to wait a little longer between visits \u2014 but your healthcare provider will tell you how frequently you should go.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Preventative health and screening for men<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

It is recommended that healthy men are screened for:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Blood pressure: <\/strong>High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke and should be checked regularly by a health care provider. Performed at most visits is a <\/span>blood pressure screening<\/span><\/a> to lower your risk of heart attack. Men are <\/span>twice<\/span><\/a> as likely as women to suffer from one, but a blood pressure test can determine if you\u2019re at risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cholesterol: <\/strong>This is a fat found in the blood. It can form fatty deposits on your artery walls and block blood flow. All men over 40 years should have their cholesterol levels monitored. Early detection of <\/span>modifiable risk factors<\/span><\/a> can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease by up to 80 percent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diabetes: <\/strong>Diabetes is when your body cannot produce insulin or it cannot properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas. Insulin\u2019s role is to regulate how much glucose (sugar) is in your blood. Over <\/span>3 million<\/span><\/a> Canadians are living with diabetes. <\/span>Diabetes Canada <\/span><\/a>recommends getting tested with either a fasting glucose and\/or a hemoglobin A1C blood tests every three years starting at age 40. This should be done sooner if you\u2019re at a high risk \u2014 meaning, you\u2019re overweight or prediabetic, have a close relative with diabetes, have high blood pressure, or have a history of heart disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Osteoporosis: <\/strong>Osteoporosis is a reduction in bone mass and it affects more than 2 million Canadians. This condition increases your risk of fractures; in fact, <\/span>one in five<\/span><\/a> men will break a bone caused by osteoporosis. Screening for this can be done with bone mineral density testing starting at age 65.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: <\/strong>Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or dilatation in the aorta, a major blood vessel that delivers blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Men over 65 who have ever smoked should be screened for this with an ultrasound.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sexually transmitted infections: <\/strong>If sexually active, you should be screened regularly for <\/span>chlamydia and gonorrhea,<\/span><\/a> because most often these infections have no symptoms at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Preventative care men should seek outside of the family doctor’s office\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n

Vision: <\/strong>Adults between 20 and 64 should have an eye exam every two years, but those with diabetes should have one yearly. After age 65, you should have an eye exam every year since you\u2019re more at risk of getting weakened vision and having an eye condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing: <\/strong>Hearing loss is the reduced ability to hear sounds, whether gradually or suddenly. It can occur at any age, and it has many causes. Contact your doctor for a test if you\u2019re experiencing any issues such as an inability to hear whispers, hear with one ear, or listen at high decibel levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Routine Dental Care: <\/strong>Dental health experts recommend teeth cleaning once or twice a year, depending on how well you care for your teeth and gums if you have dental problems and how fast tartar builds up on your teeth. Just be sure to visit your dentist at least once a year \u2014 they can help with proactive dental care, treating issues before they worsen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cancer screening for men<\/b><\/h4>\n

Skin Cancer: <\/strong>Canadian men are <\/span>more likely<\/span><\/a> than women to develop melanoma in their lifetime; <\/span>one in 59<\/span><\/a> men will develop the cancer. It is important men have their skin screened for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers regularly. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>Checking your skin and early detection can improve survival. 59% of melanomas are detected by self-examination, and early melanomas have a 90% survival rate. Seeing a specialist like a dermatologist isn\u2019t always easy \u2014 you need a referral, and it can take months to get in. If that\u2019s the situation you find yourself in, virtual care might be the right option for you. If you\u2019re in Toronto, you can try our <\/span>mole scanning service<\/span><\/a> to learn if you have any suspicious spots. Have a question about a skin condition or hair loss? <\/span>Dermatologists<\/span><\/a> on Maple who can offer advice and a prescription if necessary, and are available for direct booking without a referral.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prostate Cancer: <\/strong>Prostate cancer is the <\/span>third<\/span><\/a> leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Canadian men \u2014 about <\/span>one in eight<\/span><\/a> will develop it in their lifetime. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>Although the average age of diagnosis is 65, men can be diagnosed as young as in their 30s. Indications for screening include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n