New to-do list for men: Suggested health tests
This is not your normal honey-do list.
This is not your normal honey-do list. This list is for men who care so much about their loved ones that they take time to get tests to learn more about their health.
Health tests for men
Talk to your doctor about being tested for the following:
- Blood pressure. A healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80.
- Cholesterol. Aim for less than 200 mg/dl.
- Cancer screenings.
- Colon and lung cancer screening (also recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force).
- Prostate cancer. Ask your doctor about being screened. You may need to have a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. It will depend on your health history and family health history.
- Fasting blood sugar. Here are the numbers to know:
- 99 mg/dL or lower is healthy.
- 100 to 125 mg/dL means you may have prediabetes.
- 126 mg/dL or higher means you may have diabetes.
- Anything over 100 mg/dl, be sure to talk to your doctor.
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Glaucoma. Half of the people with glaucoma don't know they have it. It can cause vision loss and even blindness. Catch it early by having a dilated eye exam and getting the right care.
What can you do to stay healthy?
Fortunately, there's a lot you can do:
- Keep a healthy body weight.
- Eat a healthier diet.
- Be active: Exercise regularly.
- Don’t use tobacco products.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Sleep seven to nine hours a night.
- See your doctor for routine care.
Will Medicare cover an Annual Wellness Visit?
Original Medicare covers the Annual Wellness Visit at 100% of the Medicare-approved amount when you get the service from a provider who accepts Medicare. You pay nothing (no deductible or coinsurance).
Medicare Advantage plans must cover Annual Wellness Visits without applying deductibles, copays, or coinsurance when you see a network provider and meet Medicare’s rules for the service.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs.