Screening tests and health counseling are an important part of managing your health.
A screening test is done to find diseases in people who don't have any symptoms, or
may be at a higher risk. The goal is to find a disease early so lifestyle changes
and checkups can reduce the risk of disease. Or the goal may be to find it early to
treat it most effectively. Screening tests are not used to diagnose a disease. But
they are used to see if more testing is needed. Below are guidelines for these, for
men ages 18 to 39. Talk with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re up-to-date
on what you need.
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Screening
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Who needs it
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How often
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Alcohol misuse
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All adults
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At routine exams
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Blood pressure
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All adults
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Yearly checkup if your blood pressure is normal
Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg
If your blood pressure is higher than normal, follow the advice of your healthcare
provider
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Depression
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All adults who have access to healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up
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At routine exams
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Diabetes mellitus, type 2
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Adults who have no symptoms and are overweight or obese and have one or more extra
risk factors for diabetes (such as having a close family member with diabetes or if
the adult is African American, Latino, Native American, or Asian American.)
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At least every 3 years (yearly if blood sugar has started to rise or if risk factors
are present)
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Hepatitis C
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If at increased risk
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At routine exams
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HIV
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All men at increased risk
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At routine exams
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High cholesterol and triglycerides
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Cholesterol should be checked at least once between ages 17 and 21. All men ages 35
and older, and younger men at high risk for coronary artery disease
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At least every 4 to 6 years
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Obesity
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All adults
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At routine exams. Talk with your healthcare provider if your BMI is 30 or higher.
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Syphilis
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Anyone at increased risk for infection
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At routine exams
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Chlamydia
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Anyone at increased risk for infection
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At routine exams
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Gonorrhea
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Anyone at increased risk for infection
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At routine exams
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Tuberculosis
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Anyone at increased risk for infection
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Check with your healthcare provider
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Vision
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All men in this age group
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Yearly comprehensive and vision exam
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