All men should have periodic screening physicals starting at the age of 18 years. It is the key to helping a person feel better and reducing the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses.
On a physical, the physician reviews the history and lifestyle of the individual and orders appropriate tests relating to family history, lifestyle and the health monitoring guidelines.
| Test or Procedure |
Age |
Frequency |
| Clinical Exam & History |
18-40
40-50
50+
18+ |
Periodically
Every 2 Years
Every Year
Every 1-2 Years |
Oral Exam
MD or DDS |
High Risk
(Tobacco, Alcohol) |
May be done by Dentist, Family Practic, Internal Medicine or ENT |
| Blood Pressure |
18+ |
Every 3 years if BP < 140/85 |
| Electrocardiogram |
|
Routine Screening not Recommended |
| Hearing Exam / Vision Tests |
60+ |
Every 2 Years |
| Cholesterol |
18+ |
Every 5 Years if < than 200
Every 1-2 Years if > 200 |
| Blood Sugar |
18+ |
Yearly for persons at High Risk (Positive family history) |
| Thyroid |
18+ |
Routine Screening not Recommended |
| Stool for Blood |
50+ |
Yearly |
| Rectal Exam |
50+ |
Yearly |
| Sigmoidoscopy |
50+ |
Every 5 years if normal |
| Prostate Exam |
50+ |
Yearly |
| PSA |
50+ |
Yearly after discussion with Physician |
| Skin Self Exam |
18+ |
Monthly |
| Testicular Self Exam |
18+ |
Monthly |
| Tetanus / Diptheria Immunization |
18+ |
Booster 7-10 Years |
| Influenza Immunization |
18+ |
Yearly for chronically ill, immunosuppresed and over 65 |
| Pneumovax |
18+ |
If chronically ill, immunosuppresed or at age 65 |