Most men understand they need to change the oil in their cars regularly and check the brake and transmission fluid. But they seem unwilling to do the same routine maintenance on themselves. Even if you don’t feel like your body’s “check engine” light is on, it’s a good time to visit your doctor for a regular exam and screening tests. And if you do feel like the “check engine” light is on, there are treatments doctors can provide to make you feel like yourself again.

Dr. David Marks is the Chief Medical Officer of InBalance Health with offices in Manhattan, Westchester and Connecticut.  He states that, “Regular exams and screening tests are important. They might detect problems while they are more easily treated or provide you with information that can be used to make small but important changes. Commit to having them done and know that you’ve done all you can for yourself and your loved ones.”

Some of the key items Dr. Marks believes every man over 40 should have on his checklist include:

Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure is 120/80. If the first number is higher than 120 or the second number is higher than 80, you may have high blood pressure (hypertension). This puts you at increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Blood Tests

Your blood should be tested for:

·         prostate-specific antigen (PSA, a potential marker of prostate cancer)

·         cholesterol and triglycerides (typically referred to as a lipid panel)

·         diabetes (this is done with a test called A1C)

·         complete blood count

·         liver, kidney and thyroid function

·         total and free testosterone

Colonoscopy

Men over 50—and those over 40 with a family history of colon or rectal cancer—should have a colonoscopy. By using a colonoscope, a gastroenterologist can see and typically remove precancerous polyps in your colon. Colon cancer can often be prevented if detected early.

Prostate Screening

Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among men; annual screenings are recommended after age 40. Since early prostate cancer most often has no symptoms at all, men who are at risk need to talk to their doctors.  The good news is, there are signs to be alert for such as difficulty urinating, blood in semen, chronic constipation and other intestinal issues and frequent pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to head to the doctor for a checkup sooner rather than later.  Your doctor performs a rectal exam to feel if your prostate is enlarged, and will also evaluate the absolute level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood and relative changes over time.

Low Testosterone

Approximately 40% of men over the age of 45 who visit their primary care physician have testosterone levels in the blood low enough for the Endocrine Society to recommend treatment.

There is a simple questionnaire that can help you recognize if you have low testosterone, commonly called “low t.” Assuming you have low t, there is a 97% chance the questionnaire will alert you to it.

1.       Do you have a decrease in sex drive?

2.       Do you have a lack of energy?

3.       Do you have a decrease in strength or endurance?

4.       Have you lost height?

5.       Have you noticed a decreased “enjoyment of life”?

6.       Are you sad or grumpy?

7.       Are your erections less strong?

8.       Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?

9.       Do you fall asleep after dinner?

10.   Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?

If you answered “yes” to question 1 or 7, or if you answered “yes” to any 3 other questions, you should talk to your doctor about a testosterone blood test.

Dr. Marks explains: “Low testosterone is associated with metabolic syndrome—a combination of medical problems including increased fat, cholesterol and blood sugar—which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  It is also associated with prostate cancer. More doctors need to screen for it in men who are at risk—those over 40 and those who use statins and painkillers.”