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Men’s Health Checks Between 30 and 40

A 35-year old man is on a run in the park 

On average, men have a shorter lifespan than women, which is partly due to riskier lifestyle choices. The National Library of Medicine says men are more likely to:

  • Delay or forgo health checkups and necessary medical care
  • Make unhealthy decisions
  • Smoke and drink

One of the best ways for men to stay on top of their health is to establish a good relationship with a primary care doctor and to get regular health checkups and screening tests. During regular visits, your provider can see a complete picture of your overall health and can recommend changes to help prevent future problems. These visits can help you avoid problems in the future. Many diseases can be reversed or better managed when they’re caught early via recommended tests and scans—especially between the ages of 30 and 40.

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A man in his 50sWhat Checkups Should Men Get at 30?

According to the National Library of Medicine, men in their 30s should visit their healthcare providers regularly, even if they feel healthy. Health screenings for men in this age range include: 

  • Physical examinations. All men should get physical exams occasionally to help maintain their overall health and establish good relationships with their doctors. 
  • Blood pressure screening. Men should get their blood pressure checked every three to five years if it’s in the normal range and if they have no risk factors for high blood pressure. It should be checked annually if it’s high or if they have a high-risk factor for high blood pressure.
  • Cholesterol. Beginning at age 20, men with known risk factors for high cholesterol should be checked regularly.
  • Infectious diseases. Men should be tested at least once for HIV, starting at age 15. Men should be tested at least once for hepatitis C after their 18th birthday.
  • Dental exams. It’s important to see a dentist at least once or twice a year for cleanings and regular checkups. Dental health means more than just the health of teeth and gums. Many oral health issues can cause complications throughout the body, including in the heart.

What Tests Should Men Get at Age 40?

Men should begin receiving the following tests around their 40th birthdays or during their 40s:

  • Colorectal cancer screening. Men under age 45 may need colorectal cancer screenings if they have a strong family history of colon cancer or polyps. Beginning at age 45, men have the following screening options, based on the advice of their doctors:
    • Stool-based fecal occult blood test annually
    • Stool DNA test every one to three years
    • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
    • CT colonography every five years
    • Colonoscopy every ten years
  • Eye exam. Starting at age 40, all men should get eye exams every two to four years, even if they don’t have vision problems.

What Health Checks Should Men Get at 35?  

  • Cholesterol. Men with no known risk factors for high cholesterol should begin having their cholesterol levels checked around age 35.
  • Diabetes. Men should be screened for diabetes starting at age 35, even if they have no risk factors for the disease. Testing may start earlier in men who have a parent or sibling with diabetes, are overweight or obese, have high blood pressure or prediabetes, or have a history of heart disease.

How Often Should a 30-Year-Old Male Get a Physical?

Men in their 30s should get physicals every one to three years. By ages 40-50, men should get physicals at least once every two years, and by age 50+, they should get them every year.

What Immunizations Do Men Ages 30 to 40 Need? 

Adults also need vaccines to prevent illness when possible. For men ages 30 to 40, these vaccines include: 

  • Flu shots—Men should receive annual flu shots to protect themselves, especially during flu season. 
  • Tdap Vaccine—This shot protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough. It should be administered at least once with a booster every ten years for maximum protection.  
  • COVID-19 Vaccine—This can help protect you and the people around you from serious complications related to COVID-19.  

What Can Men Ages 30 to 40 Do to Stay Healthy?  

Men can protect their health by paying close attention to their lifestyles, especially their diets. By eating healthy and nutritious foods, exercising, and maintaining a healthy body mass index, men can reduce their risk of developing many chronic diseases and health problems, including: 

  • Colon, kidney, liver, and gallbladder cancers 
  • Metabolic syndrome 
  • Osteoarthritis  
  • Stroke 
  • Type 2 diabetes 

Stay Healthy with a Primary Care Physician

Regardless of age or gender, having a primary care physician is one of the most important aspects of staying healthy. Contact CHRISTUS Health today to find a location and a primary care physician near you.

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