According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention statistics, U.S. men on average live six years less than women and are at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer and injuries. They are also less likely than women to have health insurance or seek preventive care.
While young men can sometimes get away with the wait-until-you-feel-ill approach to seeing a doctor, after age 30, you are at greater risk of a variety of diseases affecting men that have no or few symptoms in their early stages, when they are easier to treat.
It's recommended men in this age range see their doctor every three years. Expect blood tests for cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and kidney and liver function, as well as a urinalysis. These results give your doctor a broad picture of your general health. You should also review your family health history which can help determine whether you should have some early screenings.