Regular wellness checks are typically not top of mind for men in their 20s and 30s, but they should be. Early adulthood is a great time to establish an ongoing relationship with a family or primary care provider. Getting into the habit of regular health care early can influence the rest of your life.

While every person is different, and health care is personalized depending on your individual situation, here are some general recommendations based on your age.

Review With Your Doctor

• Diet, exercise and sleep habits.
• Chronic physical concerns such as knee, back or joint pain.
• Smoking, alcohol consumption and other substance-use habits.
• Sexual history and condom use.
• Stress management and mental health.

Immunizations

• Flu Shot
• Tetanus booster, every 10 years
• COVID vaccine, as recommended

Screening Tests (Discuss with your provider which screening tests are appropriate for you)

• Blood Pressure.  Blood pressure measures the force your organs and blood vessels experience, and is a strong predictor of heart attack and stroke risk.
• Testicular Self Check. Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in young men aged 15-35 and is usually detected by a personal self-check. 
• Blood Cholesterol Levels. This simple blood test measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood to inform your risk of plaque buildup in your arteries. If you have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, or other cardiac risk factors, you may need to be screened more often.
• Blood Tests. A simple blood test can be used to screen for diabetes, thyroid disease, liver problems and anemia, depending on family history. 
• Sexual Health Checks.  Sexual health checks can involve tests (blood or urine) for STIs, sexual dysfunction or discussions about contraception and fertility.

Wellness Checks

• Schedule a wellness check, to cover everything above, with your primary care provider every 3 years