Men’s Health Month Is Ending—But Preventive Care Is a Year-Round Priority

Diverse group of men across generations engaging in healthy lifestyle activities—from walking and doctor visits to strength training—highlighting vitality, proactive wellness, and aging with strength.

As June comes to a close, so does Men’s Health Month—a national effort to raise awareness about preventable health issues and encourage men to take a more active role in their well-being. But good health isn’t seasonal, and it shouldn’t be reactive. It’s an ongoing, proactive process.

In my internal medicine practice, I often see men who come in for care only when something feels wrong. But the truth is, many of the most serious health risks for men—like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, early diabetes, and certain cancers—can develop silently, with no symptoms at all.

That’s why preventive care is so powerful. When done right, it allows us to catch minor problems before they become major ones, to fine-tune your health plan as you age, and to help you feel your best, not just avoid illness.

So even as the awareness campaigns wind down, this is a great moment to check in with yourself or someone you love. Are you up to date on your screenings? Do you know what to prioritize in your 40s, 50s, and beyond?

Let’s start by looking at five of the most important screenings for men over 40—and how they fit into a broader approach to health across the decades. 

Five Screenings I Talk About With Almost Every Man Over 40

If you’re in your 40s or beyond, this is often the time when your body starts giving you subtle signals—slower recovery, lower energy, maybe a few numbers creeping up on lab work. Even if you’re feeling fine, I always tell my patients: this is the decade to check in more carefully and make sure everything is on track.

These are five screenings I almost always bring up during an annual exam with men in their 40s and 50s. They’re simple, but they offer us incredibly valuable information about what’s going on beneath the surface.

1. Blood Pressure Check

High blood pressure often doesn’t announce itself with noticeable symptoms, which is why it’s easy to overlook. But it’s one of the most common and silent contributors to heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems later in life.

I recommend checking it at least once a year. If your readings are borderline or high, we’ll talk through small, sustainable changes—sometimes that’s all it takes. And when necessary, medication is an option we approach thoughtfully.

2. Cholesterol Testing (Lipid Panel)

A cholesterol test is more than just a number. It helps us assess your cardiovascular risk and gives insight into your body’s metabolism. Even among patients with similar lab results, the relationship between cholesterol and long-term health isn’t always straightforward. Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides all offer important clues.

Most men should start testing by age 40, or sooner if there’s a strong family history. Depending on the results, we may focus on nutrition, movement, or preventive medication to keep your heart protected in the long term.

3. Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, which is why I bring it up early, often before patients expect it. Current screening guidelines typically start at age 45, and catching it early makes all the difference.

For many, a colonoscopy every 5 years is the best option. Others may prefer stool-based tests. We’ll decide together what makes the most sense for your body and your comfort level.

4. Prostate Health

When it comes to prostate screening, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some men need it earlier, others may not need it right away. Newer tools, such as MRI and selective biopsies, have made screening more targeted and less prone to overdiagnosis, which helps us focus on what matters most for each patient. This is where having a provider who knows your history and listens to your concerns really matters.

We look at your risk factors—age, family history, and personal health profile—to determine whether it’s time to start with a PSA test or physical exam. These are conversations I like to have openly and without pressure.

5. Diabetes Screening

Type 2 diabetes often develops quietly. You may feel completely fine until your blood sugar levels become significantly elevated. That’s why routine screening is important even in patients who appear healthy.

I typically start with a fasting glucose or A1C test, especially if there’s a history of weight gain, high blood pressure, or family risk. The earlier we catch elevated numbers, the more power we have to reverse or prevent progression.

Why These Conversations Matter

Preventive care is more than running labs and checking boxes. It’s about asking the right questions at the right time and understanding what makes you unique. It’s your story, your risk factors, your goals.

These screenings are just one part of the bigger picture. But they’re often the first step in making sure your health stays strong as you age.

How Your Preventive Care Needs Change by Decade

While the screenings I just shared are essential for men over 40, preventive care isn’t limited to one age group. One of the most common questions I hear from patients is, “What should I be focusing on at this stage of my life?”

The answer isn’t always obvious—and that’s okay. That’s what your primary care provider is here for. But to give you a general sense of how your health needs evolve, here’s a decade-by-decade look at what to prioritize.

In Your 20s and 30s: Setting the Foundation

Chris is 29. He’s healthy, busy, and hasn’t seen a primary care doctor in years. He works long hours, travels often, and aside from the occasional stress headache, he doesn’t think much about his health. When he finally comes in for a checkup, it’s mainly because a friend nudged him after a family member had a health scare.

We discuss the basics—blood pressure, cholesterol, mental health, sleep, and energy levels. Nothing major stands out, but we uncover a strong family history of diabetes and heart disease. That gives us something important to keep an eye on, even now.

For patients like Chris, these early visits are about building trust, identifying silent risk factors, and establishing a baseline for the years ahead.

I often remind patients in this stage of life: “What you do now lays the groundwork for your 40s and 50s. Even small choices can shape the future of your health.”

Key focus areas in this stage:

• Annual physicals, even when feeling well
  
  
• Blood pressure and baseline lab testing
  
  
• STI screenings and sexual health
  
  
• Mental health, sleep, and stress support
  
  
• Conversations around family history and future risk

 

In Your 40s and 50s: Paying Attention to What’s Changing

Mark is 47. He used to be the guy who could eat whatever he wanted, sleep four hours a night, and bounce back without a problem. Lately, though, things feel different. He’s gained a little weight around the middle, his energy dips in the afternoon, and stress at work feels heavier than it used to.

He didn’t come in because he felt “sick”—he came in because something just felt off. That’s a pattern I see often with men in this phase of life: subtle shifts that don’t feel urgent, but point to more profound changes in the body.

At Mark’s visit, we checked his blood pressure (slightly elevated), ran basic labs (his cholesterol and glucose were higher than expected), and discussed his sleep, stress, and daily habits. Nothing alarming, but enough to make meaningful changes now, before those numbers become diagnoses.

These are good times to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities. I encourage patients to think not just about the numbers on a lab report, but about what health truly means to them—more energy, less stress, deeper focus, or greater resilience in daily life.

Key focus areas in this stage:

• Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar screening
  
  
• Colon cancer screening (starting at age 45)
  
  
• Prostate health discussions and PSA testing, if appropriate
  
  
• Mental health and stress management
  
  
• Lifestyle support: sleep, weight, nutrition, alcohol, and movement
  
  
• Midlife transitions, including hormonal changes and burnout

 

In Your 60s: Reclaiming Your Rhythm, Redefining Your Health

James is 66. He’s newly retired, recently became a grandfather, and after years of focusing on work and family, he’s finally turning his attention back to himself. He wants to travel, stay strong, and keep up with his grandkids—not just this year, but ten years from now.

When he comes in for his visit, he tells me he feels pretty good. He walks most mornings and stays on top of his medications. But he’s also asking the right question: “What should I be doing differently now?”

We conduct a comprehensive review, checking labs, screening for fall risk and memory changes, and updating vaccines. He’s due for a bone density scan, and we talk about nutrition, supplements, and the importance of strength training. Studies have shown that regular exercise, particularly resistance and balance training, can significantly reduce the risk of falls in older adults. Even just two sessions of resistance-based exercise a week can help preserve muscle, protect bone, and improve balance. It’s one of the best tools we have for aging well—and it's never too late to start using it.

This is what I love about this stage of life. For many men, the 60s are a reset, not a slowdown. With fewer outside demands, there’s finally space to focus on your health. Whether it’s movement, sleep, energy, or clarity, this is your chance to take it back—or take it further.

I often ask, “What do you want the next ten years to feel like?” That question helps us shift the focus from fear or risk to something much more powerful: possibility.

Key focus areas in this stage:

• Bone density screening (DEXA), especially for those with risk factors
  
  
• Cognitive screening and mental sharpness
  
  
• Fall prevention, balance, and physical strength
  
  
• Weight-bearing and resistance-based exercise to maintain muscle and bone
  
  
• Medication review for safety and simplicity
  
  
• Cancer screening (colorectal, prostate, etc.)—based on health status and history
  
  
• Immunizations: shingles, pneumonia, flu, and COVID boosters
  
  
• Creating daily routines that support energy, movement, and well-being

In Your 70s and Beyond: Staying Connected to What Matters Most

Frank is 74. He’s lived in the city for decades, walks every morning, and still volunteers at the local community center. When he comes in, he tells me he’s feeling a little slower lately, but not in a way that worries him—he just wants to make sure he’s doing what he can to stay strong and clearheaded.

During his visit, we focus less on new screenings and more on maintenance, reviewing medications to minimize side effects, checking cognition and fall risk, and assessing nutrition and muscle mass. We adjust his exercise plan to include more balance and strength exercises, and we discuss what brings him purpose at this time.

In this season of life, health care becomes more nuanced. The question is no longer just, “What are we preventing?” but, “What helps you live well, on your terms?”

For many men, the 70s and beyond are about staying active in the ways that matter most: spending time with family, staying mentally sharp, remaining mobile, and continuing to enjoy the life they’ve built.

Key focus areas in this stage:

• Medication management and minimizing polypharmacy
  
  
• Cognitive health and emotional well-being
  
  
• Fall risk and mobility support
  
  
• Nutrition and maintaining muscle mass
  
  
• Reviewing which screenings still offer benefits
  
  
• Support for sleep, digestion, and energy
  
  
• Staying socially engaged and connected

 

A Final Word on Staying Proactive

There’s no perfect way to take care of your health. Some years you’re on top of everything—other times, life gets busy and things slip. That’s normal. What matters is that you come back to it. You check in. You stay curious about how your body’s doing and what it might need now that it didn’t five years ago.

That’s the kind of care I believe in. Not one-size-fits-all. Not rushed. Just thoughtful, honest, and focused on where you are in this season of life.

It’s how I try to care for my patients—and how I try to care for myself, too.

If it’s been a while since your last visit, or you’re not sure where to start, that’s okay. We’ll figure it out together.

Ready to schedule your next check-up or review your personalized preventive care plan?
You can log in to the patient portal, book an appointment online, or 📞 Call: (212) 614-0039 to get started. 

Dr. Michele Martinho

Internal Medicine | Concierge Primary Care | NYC

Resources

Blood Pressure Screening
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force – Hypertension in Adults: Screening (2021):
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hypertension-in-adults-screening

Diabetes Screening Prevalence
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020):
https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/19_0396.htm

Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk
Houston Methodist Scholars (2021):
https://scholars.houstonmethodist.org/...mortality-risk-among

Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
PubMed – Systematic Review (2018):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29358889

Prostate Cancer Screening Advances
BMJ Oncology (2023):
https://bmjoncology.bmj.com/content/2/1/e000039

Fall Prevention Through Exercise
PMC Study (2021):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10435089

Adult Immunization Guidelines
CDC – Vaccine Schedules (2025):
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html