Men’s Preventive Maintenance Guide

In recognition of June being Men’s Health Month, let’s review some updated CDC information on tests needed for healthy men 18 and above:

Hypertension  (High Blood Pressure) – All men should have their blood pressure checked periodically

• every 2 years in persons with blood pressure less than 120/80 mmHg
• every year if higher than 120/80

Elevated Lipids (Cholesterol, other fats in blood) – All men aged 20-34 years should be screened for elevated lipids if they are at increased risk for coronary heart disease

Who has increased risk?

• Diabetes.
• Previous personal history of heart vessel disease or atherosclerosis.
• A family history of cardiovascular disease before age 50 in male relatives or age 60 in female relatives.
• Tobacco use.
• High blood pressure
• Obesity (BMI ≥30).

Diabetes management – Get screening tests for diabetes if you have a strong family history of diabetes, or if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.  High blood pressure increases the risk for complications of adult diabetes

Tobacco cessation – Smoker?  STOP!  But if you continue, make sure you get a pneumococcal vaccine once, and a influenza vaccine every year.

HIV screening – EVERYONE should be screened for HIV at least once, and periodically if you are at risk for exposure (sex, needle sharing, occupational risk, diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease) 

Influenza vaccination – Flu vaccine is no longer limited to people with health problems.  Every guy (and gal)  should consider getting a flu vaccine every fall to protect them during the winter influenza season.

All of this is available at Student Health Services, so start your checklist, and get busy!

Good Health.

Roger Miller, MD  (OSU Student Health Services