Health tips for men in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

Get the HPV vaccine

Most sexually active men will get the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives. This sexually transmitted disease can cause penile, anal and head and neck cancers in men.

One way to protect yourself from HPV is by getting the HPV vaccine. You can get the vaccine up to age 21. It protects you from the HPV types that cause most genital warts and anal cancers.

Too much booze, you lose

Men are more likely to binge drink than women. That’s bad news because drinking even a small amount of alcohol increases your chances of developing cancer. On the other hand, there is research to suggest that a little red wine  may help prevent cancer.

So until more is known, drink alcohol in moderation. That means no more than two drinks per day. Less is better.

Snuff out cigarettes

About 90% of lung cancer deaths in men are due to smoking.

It’s important to avoid all tobacco products. Instead of lighting up for an occasional social smoke, pay attention to how good it feels to spend time with friends. Your friends, family and co-workers prefer your company when you’re happy, healthy and smoke-free. Guaranteed.

Protect your skin

No matter your age, it’s important to protect your skin. Limit your sun exposure using these tips:

• Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear sun protective clothing
• Use sunscreen

Put some muscle into it

Most men begin to lose muscle mass after age 30. Strength training can prevent muscle loss and build bone density. It also increases the rate at which your body burns calories to keep you at a healthy weight. And maintaining a healthy weight can help you avoid diseases like cancer.

So, if your idea of exercise is running or playing a sport, now’s the time to step up your game. Move out of your comfort zone and start a weight training program.

Take time to unwind

With all of life’s changes, comes stress. Chronic stress  affects almost every system in your body and wreaks havoc on its functioning, making it harder to fight off diseases like cancer.

Curb stress by doing breathing exercises and other relaxation activities, like massage, walking or yoga.

Cigars: Lights out

Smoking a cigar or two to celebrate a special occasion might seem more sophisticated and less dangerous than smoking cigarettes.

But one large cigar can contain as much tobacco as an entire pack of cigarettes. That increases your odds of getting lung cancer. The American Cancer Society also points out that cigar smoking is connected to impotence.

Avoid all tobacco products. Instead of lighting up for an occasional social smoke, pay attention to how good it feels to spend time with friends. Your friends, family and co-workers prefer your company when you’re happy, healthy and smoke-free. Guaranteed.

Maintain a healthy weight

As you get older, your metabolism slows down. This is especially true for men after age 40, who may have a hard time staying at the same weight they were in their 20s and 30s.

Making healthy food choices and staying active every day can help jump-start your metabolism and keep off unwanted pounds. Avoid weight gain by eating more fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on red and processed meats.

Cigars: Lights out

Smoking a cigar or two to celebrate a special occasion might seem more sophisticated and less dangerous than smoking cigarettes. But one large cigar can contain as much tobacco as an entire pack of cigarettes. That increases your odds of getting lung cancer. The American Cancer Society also points out that cigar smoking is connected to impotence. It’s best to avoid all tobacco products.

Instead of lighting up for an occasional social smoke, pay attention to how good it feels to spend time with friends. Your friends, family and co-workers prefer your company when you’re happy, healthy and smoke-free. Guaranteed.

Get screened

Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening risks and benefits. If you choose to be screened, get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Strongly consider a digital rectal exam, if you decide to be screened. 

Check your colon

It’s that time. Colorectal cancer screening starts after age 50.

These exams are worth the minor discomfort, if any. Why? At least six out of 10 colorectal cancer deaths can be prevented if everyone age 50 and older got screened regularly.

So start the colorectal screening discussion at your next check-up. Your doctor can help you decide which exam is best for you.

Get screened

If you choose to be screened, get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Strongly consider a digital rectal exam, if you decide to be screened. 

Get annual check-ups

Make your health a top priority at every age. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s or 60s, yearly check-ups are a must. With the aid of your doctor, you can create a personalized health plan to help you stay healthy for many years to come.

Focus on foods, not supplements

For some men age 50 and older, taking a daily supplement may help lower the chances of getting cancer and other diseases. Our experts say beware. Supplements are not right for everyone. And researchers are still unsure about whether or not supplements actually help prevent cancer.

If you’re thinking of taking supplements? Speak with your doctor or a dietician first. He or she can decide which pills you really need and what dose you should take. Even if your doctor recommends taking a supplement, your top priority should be getting the nutrients you need from the food you eat.