Precision Health for Men: A Proactive Guide to Lifelong Wellness

By Dr. David Samadi

In a world where men routinely service their vehicles, update their tech, and maintain their homes, their most valuable asset—their health—is often overlooked. Unlike a car’s owner’s manual, which provides detailed maintenance intervals, the human body doesn’t come with a checklist—yet it needs one. Men’s health requires a proactive, informed approach grounded in science, preventive care, and regular screenings.

This comprehensive guide empowers men with essential strategies to stay ahead of health issues, backed by expert recommendations and clinical guidelines. With early detection and consistent monitoring, men can reduce their risk of chronic disease, enhance their quality of life, and extend their longevity, giving them a sense of control and confidence in their health journey.

Cholesterol Management: Know Your Numbers, Protect Your Heart

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men. High cholesterol—a silent contributor to heart attacks and strokes—is a major modifiable risk factor. The American Heart Association recommends baseline cholesterol screening starting at age 20, with follow-up testing every 4 to 6 years or more frequently if cardiovascular risk factors are present.

A lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Elevated LDL levels, in particular, are associated with the development of arterial plaque. Early detection allows for lifestyle interventions and, if necessary, medication to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications.

Blood Pressure: The Silent Threat

Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” for a reason—it rarely causes symptoms until organ damage has occurred. Uncontrolled high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, and vision loss.

Men should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. Normal blood pressure is typically defined as being below 120/80 mmHg. Readings consistently above this range warrant lifestyle changes such as reducing sodium intake, exercising regularly, managing stress, and potentially starting antihypertensive medications under medical supervision.

Nutrition: Fueling Health from the Inside Out

A balanced diet is a cornerstone of disease prevention. It should be rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Such a diet helps lower the risk of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, certain types of cancer, and cardiovascular disease, making it a key component of maintaining good health.

Men should aim to:

• Consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Limit processed foods and added sugars.
• Prioritize fiber-rich foods for digestive and heart health.
• Include omega-3-rich sources, such as fatty fish, to support cognitive and cardiovascular function.

Eating with intention is one of the most powerful tools in a man’s preventive health arsenal.

Weight Management: More Than Just the Scale

Obesity is a growing epidemic linked to numerous health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, and certain cancers. Maintaining a healthy body weight requires a holistic approach that goes beyond crash diets.

Key strategies include:

• Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
• Strength training twice a week to preserve lean muscle mass.
• Monitoring portion sizes and emotional eating habits.
• Setting realistic, sustainable goals rather than aiming for quick fixes.

Even a modest weight loss of 5–10% can significantly reduce the risk of disease.

Blood Sugar and Metabolic Health: Detect Diabetes Early

Routine blood glucose testing is critical in identifying prediabetes or type 2 diabetes early—often before symptoms arise. Fasting glucose and A1C tests can flag insulin resistance and guide timely intervention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends diabetes screening for adults aged 35 and older or earlier if overweight and with risk factors such as family history or sedentary lifestyle. Preventing or delaying diabetes through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and medication can help protect vital organs and prevent long-term complications.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early Detection Saves Lives

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the U.S., yet it’s one of the most preventable. Men at average risk should begin screening at age 45. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard, allowing both detection and removal of precancerous polyps.

Alternative screening options include:

• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• Stool DNA test (Cologuard®)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Discuss with your provider which test is most appropriate based on your personal and family history.

Hepatitis C Screening: A One-Time Test That Could Save Your Liver

Hepatitis C, a bloodborne virus that can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer, often goes unnoticed for decades. The CDC recommends that all adults aged 18 to 79 get tested at least once, regardless of perceived risk.

Those with a history of intravenous drug use, blood transfusions before 1992, or known exposure should be especially vigilant. Modern antiviral treatments can cure hepatitis C and prevent irreversible liver damage when caught early.

Prostate Cancer: Informed Decisions, Personalized Screening

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer. Screening typically involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, sometimes combined with a digital rectal exam (DRE). The decision to screen should be individualized based on age, race, family history, and personal preferences.

Dr. David Samadi recommends the following:

• Discuss PSA screening with your doctor starting at age 40 for men at average risk.
• Discussions with African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer, should also begin at age 40 or earlier.

An informed conversation with your healthcare provider can guide whether and when screening is proper for you.

Vaccinations: Protection That Lasts a Lifetime

Adult immunizations are crucial to safeguarding against preventable diseases. Men should stay current on the following:

• Influenza vaccine annually
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) every 10 years
• Shingles vaccine at age 50 and older
• Pneumococcal vaccines starting at age 65 or earlier with certain health conditions
• COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters as recommended

Immunization isn’t just personal protection—it helps protect families and communities.

Build a Long-Term Relationship with Your Healthcare Provider

Beyond tests and screenings, consistent engagement with a trusted physician provides a sense of security, enabling the early identification of issues, continuity of care, and the development of tailored health strategies. Regular checkups enable the monitoring of trends over time—such as blood pressure, lab results, and weight—and create an opportunity for meaningful discussions about mental health, sexual function, sleep, and other related topics.

A proactive healthcare partnership empowers men to take ownership of their well-being.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Most Valuable Asset—Your Health

Routine health maintenance isn’t about reacting to illness—it’s about preventing it. With thoughtful planning, regular screenings, and collaboration with healthcare providers, men can significantly reduce their risk for chronic disease and live longer, healthier lives.

Your body doesn’t come with a warning light like your car does—but it deserves just as much care and attention. Schedule your checkup. Ask questions. Know your numbers. Make your health your most important priority.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What?  A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery, and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.