When life gets hectic, it's easy to let your health take a backseat. But taking proactive steps now can help you prevent serious issues down the road. Preventive care — including regular checkups, recommended screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices — empowers you to detect potential problems early when they're most treatable.

Here's what you need to know about preventive care at every stage of life.

Your 20s and 30s: Building a Strong Foundation

Your early adulthood is the perfect time to establish habits that promote long-term health. Regular wellness exams with your primary care provider can help you monitor vital indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.

Key Screenings and Actions:

• Blood Pressure Checks: At least every 2 years if normal; more frequently if elevated.
• Cholesterol Screening: Every 4–6 years starting at age 20, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
• Vaccinations: Stay current on flu shots, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), and COVID-19 vaccines.
• Mental Health: Discuss stress, anxiety, or depression with your doctor; mental well-being is as crucial as physical health.

Healthy Habits to Adopt:

• Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
• Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
• If you smoke or vape, seek support to quit.
• Limit alcohol consumption and avoid recreational drug use.
• While routine testicular cancer screenings by a doctor aren’t typically recommended, you should perform monthly self-exams and talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual lumps, swelling, or discomfort. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35, but it’s highly treatable when detected early. To learn more about testicular cancer, risk factors, symptoms and treatment options, hop over to our recent blog post.

Your 40s and 50s: Proactive Risk Management

As you enter your 40s and 50s, the risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer increases. It's essential to stay vigilant with screenings and manage risk factors effectively.

Recommended Screenings:

• Colorectal Cancer: Begin regular screenings at age 45. Options include colonoscopy every 10 years, flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or annual fecal immunochemical tests (FIT). To learn more about colorectal cancer, the risk factors, symptoms and treatment options, visit our series of blogs on the topic.
• Prostate Cancer: Discuss screening with your doctor starting at age 50 — or earlier if you're at higher risk. Screening typically involves a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and possibly a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). To learn more about prostate cancer, risk factors, symptoms and treatment options, read “Understanding Prostate Cancer.”
• Type 2 Diabetes: Screening is recommended starting at age 45, especially if you're overweight or have high blood pressure. Interested in learning more about diabetes? Head to our series that covers everything from preventing diabetes to how to create a diabetes-friendly grocery list.

Heart Health Focus: Heart disease remains a leading cause of death among men. Regular checks for cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar are vital to stay ahead of heart-related issues.

Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Midlife can bring new stressors, such as career pressures, financial planning, and family responsibilities. Chronic stress can impact your heart, sleep, and immune system. Consider mindfulness practices, regular physical activity, or counseling if you're feeling overwhelmed. Ready to learn more about mental health? Head to our blog for more insight.

Your 60s and Beyond: Maintaining Independence and Vitality

In your 60s and beyond, preventive care becomes even more crucial to preserve your independence and quality of life.

Essential Screenings and Vaccinations:

• Bone Density Test: Particularly important if you have risk factors like a family history of osteoporosis or have taken certain medications.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: Recommended for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked.
• Hearing and Vision Checks: Regular assessments help maintain safety and communication.
• Vaccinations: In addition to the annual flu shot, consult your provider about the shingles vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and updated COVID-19 boosters.

Lifestyle Priorities:

• Continue regular exercise to maintain muscle mass, bone strength, and balance.
• Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in fiber, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables.
• Stay socially connected to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Preventive care isn't just about avoiding illness — it’s about thriving. Regular screenings empower you to take control of your health by catching issues early before they become serious.

Open communication with your health care provider is key. Don't hesitate to ask questions, voice concerns, or seek clarification about recommended screenings.

Make a commitment to yourself to schedule those screenings and follow through on them. Whether it’s a prostate exam, colonoscopy, or any other recommended test, by prioritizing preventive health screenings, you can take proactive steps toward maintaining your well-being and reducing your risk of serious health conditions.

Your health journey is unique, but you don't have to go it alone. At Texas Health, we're here to help you make informed choices now for a healthier future.

Staying on top of your health is not only important to you, it’s also important to us. If you are looking for a doctor, Texas Health Resources offers an easy-to-use tool. Simply choose the specialty, type in your zip code, and select a range. Once a list of physicians appears, you can click on a physician and access contact information, educational background, and a list of insurance plans the doctor accepts.