June is Men's Health Month, and across northern Arizona, from Flagstaff to Sedona to the wide stretches of the Navajo Nation, it is a good time to focus on senior men's health.
Regular preventive care and senior men's health screenings can help identify concerns early and support better long-term wellness. Screenings aren't just tests; they're conversations with a doctor that can catch problems early, when treatment options are often the greatest.
Heart Health: The Numbers Your Doctor Needs
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among men in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels should be checked regularly, with frequency guided by your physician and personal history.
If you're in Flagstaff or driving down to Cottonwood or Camp Verde for appointments, ask at each visit whether anything has changed and whether your medications still make sense. High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms until something more serious develops, so knowing your numbers is what gives you and your doctor room to act.
Prostate Health and Cancer Screenings
Prostate cancer screening is an important part of senior men's health screenings and a conversation worth having with your physician, particularly for men over 65. The decision about whether to have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test is a personal one that depends on your health history, family history, and your own preferences.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men at average risk discuss the screening with their doctor starting at age 50 and earlier for those with higher risk factors.
Colorectal cancer screening is another area where senior men should stay current. Colonoscopies are typically recommended every ten years, but if you've had polyps or a family history of colorectal cancer, your physician may suggest a different schedule.
Diabetes Testing and Metabolic Health
Type 2 diabetes develops gradually and can go unnoticed for years. Older men, particularly those with higher body weight or a history of prediabetes, should have their fasting blood glucose and HbA1c checked regularly.
Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, and vision loss. Catching it early, or identifying prediabetes before it progresses, can help reduce the risk of these complications.
Many people in Winslow, Page, and Tuba City spend warm summer afternoons outdoors, where temperatures can climb high. In these conditions, managing blood glucose is directly tied to staying safe in the heat.
Bone Density and Vision
Men lose bone density with age, too, even though conversations about osteoporosis tend to focus more on women. If you've had fractures or your doctor has flagged any risk factors, a bone density scan may be appropriate. Ask the question.
Annual eye exams should also be mentioned. Conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration are treatable when caught early and can seriously affect quality of life when they're not.
Make the Appointments a Summer Priority
The practical truth about preventive care is that most people know they should go and still find reasons to delay. Men's Health Month is as good a reason as any to pick up the phone and schedule the senior men's health screenings you've been putting off.
Senior Helpers of Flagstaff works with older adults across Heber, Snowflake, Flagstaff, Munds Park, and Tsaile. Our caregivers can help with transportation to medical appointments and the day-to-day support that helps you stay as healthy as possible. Contact us to find out how we can help.