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You should visit your health care provider regularly, even if you feel healthy. The purpose of these consultations is:
Promote a healthy lifestyle
Update vaccines
Help you become familiar with your provider in case of illness
information
Even if you feel well, you should still visit your provider for regular checkups. These consultations can help you avoid problems in the future. For example, the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly. It is possible that high blood sugar levels and high cholesterol levels do not show any symptoms in the early stages. Simple blood tests can detect these conditions.
There are specific moments when you should consult your provider. Below, you will find the test guidelines for men 18 to 39 years old.
BLOOD PRESSURE EXAM
Have your blood pressure taken at least once every 2 years. If the upper number (systolic pressure) is between 120 and 139 or the lower number (diastolic pressure) is between 80 and 89 mm Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year.
If the higher number is greater than 140 or the lower number is greater than 90, schedule an appointment with your provider.
If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems or some other conditions, you may need to have your blood pressure taken more often, at least once a year.
Watch for blood pressure tests in your neighborhood or workplace. Ask your provider if you can have your blood pressure checked.
CHOLESTEROL REVIEW AND HEART DISEASE PREVENTION
Men are recommended to begin testing for cholesterol between the ages of 20 and 35. Men with normal cholesterol levels do not need to repeat the exams every 5 years.
If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems or some other conditions, you may need to be examined more often.
REVIEW FOR DIABETES
If your blood pressure is 140/80 mm Hg or higher, your provider can examine your blood sugar level for diabetes.
If you have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 and have other risk factors for diabetes, it should be examined. Having a BMI above 25 means that you are overweight. Asian Americans should examine whether their BMI is greater than 23.
If you have other risk factors for diabetes, such as first-degree relatives with diabetes or a history of heart disease, your provider will probably be screened for diabetes.
DENTAL EXAM
Visit the dentist once or twice every year for an exam and cleaning. Your dentist will evaluate if you need more frequent visits.
EYE EXAM
If you have vision problems, have an exam every 2 years, or more often if recommended by your provider.
Have an eye exam at least once a year if you have diabetes.
VACCINES
After age 19, the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine should be applied once as part of tetanus and diphtheria vaccines if you did not receive it as a teenager. Tetanus and diphtheria booster should be applied every 10 years.
You should get a flu shot every year.
Talk to your provider about whether the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series should be applied if you have not already had it.
You should receive two doses of chickenpox vaccine if you never had this disease or did not receive the chickenpox vaccine.
Your provider may recommend other vaccines if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.
EXAMINATION FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Depending on your lifestyle and medical history, you may need to be examined for infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, HIV, as well as other infections.
PHYSICAL EXAM
Your blood pressure should be examined at least every 1 to 2 years.
Your height, weight and BMI should be evaluated on each exam.
During the exam, your provider may ask about:
Depression
Diet and exercise
Alcohol and tobacco consumption
Safety, such as the use of seat belts and smoke detectors
TESTICULAR EXAM
The US Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend testicular self-examination. Having testicular exams has shown little or no benefit.
Alternative names
Consultation for health maintenance – men – 18 to 39 years; Physical exam – men – 18 to 39 years; Annual exam – men – 18 to 39 years; Checkup – men – 18 to 39 years; Men’s Health – 18 to 39 years; Preventive care test – ho
