Men: It's Time to Make Health a Priority

Raza Ahmad, MD, discusses the importance of men’s health. Dr. Ahmad practices at Delancey Internal Medicine, now located at Penn Medicine Washington Square.

Raza Ahmad, MD

When it comes to taking care of the house, men will clean the gutters, cut the grass, fix leaky pipes and do many other things to make sure it “stays in good shape”. But, when it comes to their own well-being, they are sometimes less motivated to put the same amount of effort into it. Perhaps this sounds like your dad, brother, son, husband or, even, yourself?

The summer is a great time to remind the men in your life about the importance of getting annual check-ups, proper screenings and taking a look at their overall approach to good health. Make sure that they look as good from the inside as from the outside.

Even if feeling healthy, it’s important to have annual check-ups. This gives your physician the opportunity to obtain a detailed medical history and a thorough physical exam. Additionally, we will collect baseline blood work, including cholesterol, and refer you for proper screening tests, if needed.

With these wellness checkups, potential problems can be identified before they become serious. This also gives you and your physician an opportunity to build a relationship, which will help you and your care team stay ahead of any issues. Should a health situation arise, these previous interactions will help your care team develop a personalized and focused treatment plan.

Your doctor can also provide advice on a proper diet and the best ways to exercise by taking into account your age, weight and family history.

Timetable for Maintaining Good Health

Below is a basic guide providing general medical evaluations for adults. This guide does not take into consideration any existing symptoms, chronic conditions or family history.

If you have any specific questions, your regular well checkup would be the time to ask. Playing catch up in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs is not a position you want to be in when it comes to your health. Preventative medicine is the best medicine!

Ready to schedule an appointment
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What to Expect at Your Annual Physical

Lori M. Noble, MD, a primary care physician at Spruce Internal Medicine, located at the new Penn Medicine Washington Square building, discusses what to expect at your annual physical.

Lori M. Noble, MD

Going to the doctor for your annual physical can be nerve-racking. You have questions and concerns, your doctor has a separate agenda full of blood tests, studies and vaccines, and all of this typically needs to be addressed in 30 minutes.

To help you avoid feeling overwhelmed, take a look below at tests your doctor may address at your next physical based on the latest United States Preventative Services Task Force recommendations.

For tips of staying healthy, check out Guidelines for Maintaining Good Health.

Cholesterol blood test:

WHO: Women over the age of 45 and men over the age of 35, every 5 years.
WHY: Cholesterol levels help predict risk of future heart attack and stroke. If, along with other risk factors, cholesterol levels point to an elevated risk, your doctor may suggest changing your diet, exercising more, and/or medication.
NOTE: Depending on conditions, such as diabetes or strong family history of cholesterol or heart disease, your doctor may start checking earlier and more frequently.

Also check out Guidelines for Maintaining Good Health

Colonoscopy:

WHO: All women and men age 50-75, every 10 years.
WHY: To detect and remove colon polyps, which could turn into colon cancer if left untreated.
NOTES: (1) If you have colon polyps, you will likely need to return for a repeat colonoscopy in 3-5 years. 2) The colonoscopy is the best test for colon cancer screening, but there are alternatives. Ask your doctor about this option if you are unable to complete a colonoscopy. 3) If you have a strong family history of colon cancer (i.e. a parent or sibling), your doctor may refer you for a colonoscopy earlier.

Abdominal Ultrasound

WHO: One time in men age 65-75 who smoke or who have previously smoked cigarettes.
WHY: To detect an aneurysm of the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body), for which male smokers are at increased risk.
NOTE: If an aneurysm is detected, you will likely need periodic repeat ultrasounds. If the aneurism is large, surgery may be recommended.

Pap smear:

WHO: All women from the age of 21-65, every 3-5 years
WHY: To detect HPV (human papilloma virus), the virus that can cause changes to the cervix, which ultimately can turn into cervical cancer if not treated.
NOTE: You may need to be checked more often if the result comes back abnormal.

Mammogram:

WHO: All women from the age of 50-74, every 1-2 years; women aged 40-49 should have a discussion with their doctors to determine if they should be screened.
WHY: To detect breast cancer in its early stages.
NOTE: If a strong family history of breast cancer (i.e. your mother or sister) exists, you may be referred for mammography earlier.

Bone density testing (aka - DEXA scan)

WHO: All women over 65, every 2 years.
WHY: To detect low bone density, called osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fractures.
NOTES: 1) Women with risk factors for osteoporosis (such as a smoking history, a family history, low body weight, or history of fracture) are recommended to start screening at age 60. 2) There is no agreed upon age at which to stop screening at this time.

So now when it’s time to schedule your yearly physical, be prepared and armed with the knowledge about what to expect.

To help prepare for your next doctor’s visit, Penn Primary Care has also developed Guidelines for Maintaining Good Health, which can be found in the patient resources tab of PennMedicine.org/PrimaryCare.

Ready to schedule an appointment
with a Penn primary care physician?