Here in St. Petersburg, the lifestyle practically begs you to be active. Between fishing on the bay, golfing on our beautiful courses, and enjoying the vibrant downtown, there's always something to do. To keep up with it all, you make sure your boat engine is tuned, your car is maintained, and your gear is in top shape. But what about your most important asset—your own health?
Men are notorious for adopting a "fix it when it's broken" approach to their bodies. Many avoid seeing a doctor unless they have a specific, unavoidable problem. However, the key to a long, healthy, and active life isn't reacting to illness; it's proactively preventing it.
Think of your annual wellness visit and routine health screenings as a high-performance tune-up for your body. They provide a vital look under the hood, allowing us to catch small issues before they become major problems. This checklist covers the essential screenings that every man in St. Pete should have on his radar.
1. Blood Pressure Check
Why it's crucial: High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the "silent killer" for a reason. It typically has no symptoms, yet it quietly damages your arteries, heart, brain, and kidneys. It is a leading risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. When to get it: Your blood pressure should be checked at least once every year. If you have other risk factors or a history of high blood pressure, it should be monitored more frequently. This simple, painless check is one of the most important data points we can collect.
2. Cholesterol Panel (Lipid Panel)
Why it's crucial: This blood test measures the fats in your bloodstream, including LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglycerides. High levels of LDL cholesterol contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis, which can lead to blockages that cause heart attacks or strokes. When to get it: Healthy men should have a baseline screening in their 20s and then be tested every 4-6 years. Starting at age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors like a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, you should be screened more regularly.
3. Diabetes (Blood Sugar) Screening
Why it's crucial: Type 2 diabetes is incredibly common and can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss. A simple blood test can detect high blood sugar. Crucially, it can also identify pre-diabetes, a warning stage where lifestyle changes can often prevent the full-blown disease from developing. When to get it: The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for all adults starting at age 35. If you are overweight or have other risk factors, you should be screened earlier and more often.
4. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Why it's crucial: Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. It almost always begins as a small, non-cancerous growth called a polyp. A colonoscopy, the gold standard for screening, allows a doctor to find and remove these polyps before they ever have the chance to turn into cancer. When to get it: Due to a rise in cases among younger adults, the recommended age to start screening has been lowered to 45 for individuals at average risk. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to start even earlier.
5. Prostate Cancer Screening
Why it's crucial: Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among American men. The discussion around screening with a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test has evolved, and it's no longer a one-size-fits-all recommendation. When to get it: This is a conversation to have with your doctor, typically starting around age 50 (or age 45 for African American men or those with a family history). The process is one of shared decision-making, where you and your physician will discuss your personal risk factors and the potential benefits and risks of testing to decide on the best course of action for you.
6. Skin Cancer Check (A Florida Essential)
Why it's crucial: Living in the Sunshine City means significant, year-round sun exposure. Men, especially those who spend a lot of time fishing, boating, golfing, or working outdoors, are at a high risk for skin cancer. While self-checks are important, a trained medical eye can spot suspicious moles or lesions that you might miss, especially on your back or scalp. When to get it: Everyone in Florida should have a professional skin check annually. It's a quick, visual exam that could save your life.
7. Mental Health Screening
Why it's crucial: Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Men are often socialized to suppress their feelings, which can make it difficult to recognize or admit to struggling with depression or anxiety. These conditions are real medical issues with significant physical consequences. Your primary care visit is a safe, confidential space to discuss your mood, stress levels, and overall well-being. When to get it: A mental health screening should be a part of every annual check-up.
8. Testosterone Levels
Why it's crucial: As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline. For some, this can lead to symptoms like persistent fatigue, low libido, mood changes, and loss of muscle mass, a condition known as "Low T" or hypogonadism. While many clinics advertise quick fixes, a proper diagnosis requires a comprehensive medical evaluation to rule out other causes and ensure treatment is safe and appropriate. When to get it: If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. A simple blood test can check your levels and begin the conversation about the right next steps.
Take Control of Your Health
Your health is the foundation upon which your entire life is built. Being proactive with these screenings is one of the most important investments you can make in your future. Don't wait for a problem to arise. Schedule your annual wellness visit today and partner with us to create a personalized plan to keep you active and thriving for years to come.
