When the oncoming rush is going to be a lot to handle, a screen play can make a big gain. Just like a good play in football, a men’s health screening is effective when called at the right time. Yet when it comes to health screenings, they may be tempting to avoid. But if you think a doctor’s office is uncomfortable, then you’re probably got going to like an extended stay at the hospital.

Getting a screening gives you greater control in the prevention and detection of diseases. The following screenings are important for men:

High blood pressure
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can lead to serious health conditions. Fortunately, the screening for high blood pressure is easy. Your doctor should check your blood pressure at every visit.

High cholesterol
Screening for high cholesterol can help you and your doctor determine your risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack. This screening is usually ordered as a “lipid profile” that includes screening for cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Talk with your doctor about how often you should have your cholesterol checked.

Obesity
You may not look forward to it, but your doctor should monitor your weight at every visit. Obesity can increase your risk for developing certain diseases and health problems. If your doctor recommends that you lose a few pounds, you can find tips, resources, and support through MyHealth OnLine. Members can log in to use our
MyHealth Nutrition and MyHealth Physical Activity programs.

Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as people get older, although the disease can occur at any age. If you are over the age of 50, talk with your doctor about what tests you should have to screen for colorectal cancer and how often you should have those tests. Use the National Cancer Institute's new online tool for calculating colorectal cancer risk in men age 50 or older.

Prostate cancer screening
Your risk for prostate cancer is measured through a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The test measures the level of PSA in your blood. This test does not distinguish between benign prostate conditions and cancer, but your doctor will take your PSA blood test results into account when deciding whether to check further for signs of prostate cancer.

Depression
Depression affects men as well as women and it is not something you can just “snap out of.” It is thought to be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals along with other factors. Depression is treatable and needs to be diagnosed. Talk to your doctor about how you feel. It may help you get effective treatment.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
There are more than 20 sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. Most affect both men and women. If you are sexually active, talk with your doctor about screenings for STDs. Some STDs can be treated with antibiotics and medicine, but other viral STDs do not have a cure. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medications that can keep the disease under control. Correct usage of latex condoms can greatly reduce your risk of getting an STD.

Eye health
It is recommended that all adults be tested for eye disease every 1 to 2 years. If you have risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of glaucoma; are over the age of 60; or are African American, talk to your doctor about having a vision screening.