It’s an unfortunate fact that men face higher risks of developing certain health ailments as they age. However, regular checkups and maintenance will help you address potential health issues early and avoid future problems. In honor of Men’s Health Month, here are three important health screenings every man should get before turning 40.

• Blood Pressure – According to the American Heart Association, about one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked regularly, which is especially important for men who are approaching the age of 40 and more at risk. Blood pressure should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg (less than 120 systolic and 80 diastolic) for an adult. Because it can fluctuate during the day, your doctor may want to check it several times before starting a treatment plan.
• Diabetes – The risk of developing type-2 diabetes increases as men get older, so it’s a good idea to get in a routine of having your blood levels checked regularly before the age of 40. Other major risk factors for diabetes include blood pressure above 135/80 mm Hg and having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25. Regular screenings can help you address risk factors before they become a major problem. As WebMD notes, studies have shown that ninety percent of cases of type-2 diabetes could be prevented or significantly delayed through a healthier diet and plenty of physical activity.
• Heart Disease – According to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. For this reason, it is imperative for men to get screened and assessed early for major risk factors: high total cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and smoking. Promisingly, as noted in the Harvard Men’s Health Watch, a man who is free of all six risk factors has only a five percent chance of developing cardiovascular disease by age 95, and they can expect to enjoy 11 more years of life compared to a man with two or more risk factors.

With advancements in healthcare and medicine, it’s reassuring to know that many of the risk factors that come with aging can be addressed and managed with a proactive strategy. While high blood pressure medications are very effective, they can be expensive for people without health insurance. Fortunately, many of the most commonly prescribed are available in generic versions at a much lower cost. Doing research before heading to the pharmacy can help you get the best price on your medications.

Internet resources like Community Cares Rx can also help you save money on important medications, allowing users to print a free, pre-activated discount card from the comfort of their own home – or present it from a smartphone when visiting their local pharmacy to fill a prescription.

By utilizing the card, individuals and families can save up to 70 percent off generic drugs and 20 percent off brand-name medications. Online tools also allow card users to locate a participating pharmacy and research drug pricing and availability, providing an extra layer of convenience to ensure customers have everything they need to make pharmacy shopping decisions.

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