The annual checkup is an opportunity to talk to your primary care provider about any concerns you might have and to get a reading on risks for conditions that aren’t showing any symptoms.

Story by: Norton Healthcare; Reviewed by Steven Patton, D.O. on June 29, 2023

An annual checkup is important for adults at any age, and the recommended health screenings will differ as you go through stages of life. The annual checkup is an opportunity to talk to your primary care provider about any concerns you might have and to get a reading on risks for conditions that aren’t showing any symptoms.

We often hear about the need to catch any number of conditions early before they get worse — your annual checkup is the time to do that.

It’s a time to take control of your health. Schedule your annual checkup now if you haven’t, and tell your primary care provider to schedule it at the same time every year.

Each age brings new priorities and risks to your health. Working with a primary care provider who knows you, your health history and your priorities will dictate the health screenings appropriate for men at every age.

“Your primary care provider is your medical home. Your provider expects you’ll get care when you need it and however it’s most convenient — whether Norton eCare online, a Norton Immediate Care Center or your provider’s office,” said Steven Patton, D.O., family medicine physician at Norton Community Medical Associates primary care. “Your primary care provider will get records of all your visits to keep an eye on your overall health and serve as a gateway to specialized care if it’s necessary.”

You can schedule your annual checkup today in your free Norton MyChart account. If your primary care provider’s schedule does not have immediate availability, you can ask to be put on the waitlist. That way if an earlier appointment becomes available, you can be notified through Norton MyChart.

Norton Healthcare providers accept Medicare, Medicaid and most major insurance plans.

Men’s health screenings ages 18 to 29

Urgent care is there for you when you’re not feeling well, but a primary care provider is your partner for the long term. Test results at this age establish a baseline so that any changes later in life can be identified. Topics to discuss at your annual checkup at this age include:

• Your health goals, whether it’s your weight, nutrition, exercise or energy
• Any nagging symptoms that may be bothering you
• Alcohol or tobacco use
• Depression or anxiety
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and screenings (since many STIs have no symptoms)
• Hepatitis screening
• Immunizations, including a flu vaccine 

Men’s health screenings ages 30 to 39

Be sure to schedule time to prioritize your health and get an annual checkup on your calendar. A checkup is time dedicated to you and making sure all your health needs are being met.

Things you can discuss confidentially with your provider at your annual checkup:

• Your health goals, whether it’s your weight, nutrition, exercise or energy
• Any nagging symptoms that may be bothering you
• Alcohol or tobaccouse
• Depression or anxiety
• Sexually transmitted infections(STIs)and screenings (since many STIs have no symptoms)
• Hepatitis screening
• Skin cancer screening
• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks, along with other bloodwork, especially if you are at high risk for heart disease
• Immunizations, including flu and Tdap vaccines, particularly if you, a family member or friend is expecting a new baby

Men’s health screenings ages 40 to 49

Topics to discuss confidentially with your provider at your annual checkup in your 40s:

• Your health goals, whether it’s your weight, nutrition, exercise or energy
• Any nagging symptoms that may be bothering you
• Alcohol or tobacco use
• Depression or anxiety
• Sexually transmitted infections(STIs)and screenings (since many STIs have no symptoms)
• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks, along with other bloodwork, especially if you are at high risk for heart disease
• Colon cancer, hepatitis, diabetes and skin cancer screenings, especially if any of these run in your family
• Prostate cancer screening 
• Immunizations, including a flu vaccine 

Men’s health screenings ages 50 to 59

The list gets a little longer as you get a little older. Here are some concerns your primary care provider will discuss with you confidentially at your annual checkup:

• Your health goals, whether it’s your weight, nutrition, exercise, libido or energy
• Any nagging symptoms that may be bothering you
• Alcohol or tobacco use
• Depression or anxiety
• Sexually transmitted infections(STIs)and screenings (since many STIs have no symptoms)
• Heart disease prevention
• Hearing and vision tests
• Colon cancer, hepatitis, diabetes and skin cancer screenings, especially if any of these run in your family
• Prostate cancer screening 
• Immunizations, including flu and shingles vaccines  

Men’s health screenings ages 60 and older

Take time for yourself to talk to your health care provider about ways to enjoy better health and add years to your life. Schedule an annual checkup to make sure all of your health questions are answered.

Things you can discuss confidentially with your primary care provider at your annual checkup:

• Your health goals, whether it’s your weight, nutrition, exercise, libido or energy
• Any nagging symptoms that may be bothering you
• Alcohol or tobacco use
• Depression or anxiety
• Sexually transmitted infections(STIs)and screenings (since many STIs have no symptoms)
• Heart disease prevention
• Hearing and vision tests
• Colon cancer, hepatitis, diabetes and skin cancer screenings, especially if any of these run in your family
• Prostate cancer screening
• Immunizations, including flu, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines