Men Require New Maintenance Schedule at Age 50

OK, guys, admit it – your car gets a tune-up much more frequently than you do. But, if you’re over age 50, it’s time to step up your health maintenance schedule to keep you on the highway to good health. After all, even a 1960 Corvair needs a little extra attention when it reaches age 50.

“There are tests that all men should have to make sure that their parts are in proper working order,” says Kurtis Dornan, M.D., a family practice physician at Lakewood Hospital. “If you’re over age 50, it’s best to see your doctor for an annual check-up and ask him or her about the screenings that are most appropriate for you.”

Many screenings – such as blood tests and urinalysis, blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, EKG, eye exams, and an annual flu shot – should begin well before age 50. But when you reach 50, it’s important to add other screenings to your tune-up regimen.

“Starting at age 50, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening so you can decide if testing is best for you,” says Dr. Dornan. “If you decide to be tested, you should have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test with or without a digital rectal exam.” How often you are tested will depend on your PSA level.

Like prostate screening, a digital rectal exam can be the most direct way for your physician to screen for colorectal cancer. “However, beginning at age 50, the American Cancer Society recommends one of several testing schedules for both men and women,” says Dr. Dornan. Options are a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; a colonoscopy every 10 years; a double-contrast barium enema every five years; or a CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years. “You and your doctor can decide which test is best and how often you will have to have it done,” says Dr. Dornan. Testing should continue through age 75.

(Note: If you have a family history of prostate or colorectal cancer, testing may be recommended before you turn age 50.)

“Be sure to ask your doctor if you should be tested for any other cancers, such as lung, oral or skin cancers,” says Dr. Dornan.

And, if you haven’t done so already, ask your doctor if you should take a daily aspirin to help lower your risk of a heart attack. How much aspirin you should take depends on your age, your health, and your lifestyle.

In addition to your annual flu shot, be sure to ask about other immunizations that can prevent serious diseases such as pneumonia, whooping cough and shingles.

“Like your car, it’s most important to do preventative maintenance to keep your body in shape,” says Dr. Dornan. You know the drill – be physically active, eat a healthy diet, stay at a healthy weight, protect your skin, no smoking and, if you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. And, of course, see your doctor for an annual check-up.

“Even if you don't fall into the high-risk groups for heart disease, stroke or cancer, a yearly checkup after age 50 is a good way to isolate the little problems before they become big ones,” Dr. Dornan says.

“At any age, the single most important way you can take care of yourself and those you love is to actively take part in your health care,” he says. “Educate yourself on health care and participate in decisions with your doctor.”

Do you need to schedule a “tune up” with your doctor? Dr. Dornan is a board-certified family medicine physician at Lakewood Medical Associates, Rockport and is accepting new patients. For an appointment, call 216.529.7125.