When You're Between 31-49

During your 30s and 40s maintaining peak levels of health, fitness and performance that you enjoyed in your 20s can help minimize the effects of aging. Staying strong and healthy now will set the stage for the years to come.

Fortunately, many risk factors for common conditions affecting men can be prevented by staying on top of your annual checkups. When SSM Health physicians can detect problems early disease is easier to treat. In general, it’s important to keep the following prevention tips in mind:

• Eat healthy: reduce “simple carbs” like starches in bread, pasta, rice and potatoes, or high fructose corn syrup and other caloric sweeteners
• Stay active: exercise at least three hours each week
• Protect yourself: wear seat belts and helmets, and never drive while under the influence of alcohol or other substances
• Adhere to regular checkups: men are 24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year, but the likelihood of developing disease like prostate cancer rises rapidly as you age

We encourage you to see your doctor before a problem arises. Be proactive about your health by scheduling an annual wellness exam. At a minimum, it’s important to stay on top of the following screenings:

• Prostate cancer screening: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the US.  Screening guidelines vary between men, but it’s important to discuss your risk with your doctor.
• Diabetes screening: If your blood pressure is higher than 135/80, or if you take medication for high blood pressure, you should be screened for diabetes. Similarly, if your BMI is higher than 25, and you are an at-risk population, you are more likely to develop diabetes.
• High blood pressure screening: Blood pressure should be checked at least every two years. High blood pressure can cause stroke, heart attack, kidney and eye problems, and heart failure.
• High cholesterol screening: Your cholesterol should be checked if you are 35 or older, especially if you smoke, are obese, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or have a personal or familial history of high cholesterol.

Aging is a fact of life. Take charge of your health today. You’ll start to feel your very best. Annual exams and preventative screenings are just a couple of ways we can help.

We know coming in for an annual physical is probably not on your to-do list, but our goal is to make it as easy as possible. At SSM Health, we are here to help you take important steps that will keep you healthy for years to come. Contact us today to find a provider or schedule an appointment.