April 2022
Men often feel invincible. So, they engage in risky behaviors and put off routine care. But your greatest superpower is taking charge of your well-being.
Here’s how to get started, no matter how old you are.
Your 20s
Quit smoking—better yet, don’t start. Limit alcohol to 2 drinks per day. Fuel your mind and body with fruits and vegetables, plenty of protein, and healthy fats from nuts and olive oil.
Visit your primary care provider for yearly checkups. There, you’ll get screened for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and sexually transmitted infections. Stay safe by avoiding distracted driving, using contraception, getting a yearly flu shot, and wearing a bike helmet.
Your 30s
Keep your body active by aiming for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise and two or more muscle-strengthening sessions weekly. Continue eating a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats.
If you haven’t already, gather your family history of cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. Share this information with your healthcare provider.
Your 40s
Between finances, work, and family, men face many pressures. Save time to unwind and connect with others. If you feel overwhelmed or hopeless, talk with your healthcare provider.
Also ask about screenings for diabetes and some cancers, including colorectal and prostate. Tests can find these diseases early when they’re easier to treat. The best schedule depends on your personal and family health history.
Your 50s
Continue the conversation about screenings. You might need to add tests for hepatitis C and lung cancer to your schedule.
Also ask your healthcare provider about vaccines. In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, get one for shingles, a virus that causes a painful rash.
Your 60s and beyond
Continue regular checkups. Follow your provider’s guidance on screenings, and on treatments for existing health conditions. Once you reach 65, get shots for pneumonia.
It’s never too late to make healthy changes. If you can’t get 150 minutes of exercise per week, any amount of movement helps. So does a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nutrient-rich proteins, and healthy fats.
Featured in
Personalized care starts with the right provider
Search by specialty, location, and more.
FIND A DOCTORRelated Articles
Do You Know the Different Heart Attack Symptoms in Men and Women?
You might think you know what a heart attack looks like—you clutch your chest in pain and fall to the ground. But heart attacks don’t always stick to this script—especially in women.
When Should You Start Colon Cancer Screenings?
Years ago, doctors may not have mentioned colorectal cancer prevention until a patient’s 50th birthday. But now, both the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and American Cancer Society (ACS) advise people with an average risk for colorectal cancer to begin regular screening at age 45. If you’re wondering why, here’s what you need to know.
Vasectomy
Vasectomy is surgery a man may choose if he doesn't want to father any more children. It is permanent male birth control.
The Importance of Adult Immunizations
Understand what a vaccine is and how it works to protect you, as well as those around you, from the germs that are all around us.
