Men are generally less likely to visit their doctor for exams, screenings, and consults compared to women. To address this, we've collaborated with Dr. Bonnie Ferrara of Renown Health, to compile a list of eight essential screenings that can help men maintain their health.
1. Blood Pressure Tests
Ages 20+
Blood Pressure tests measure the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps. Biennial (every two years) checks are recommended if you have normal blood pressure or more frequently if you have high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension). The United States Preventative Services Taskforce cites normal blood pressure below 120 systolic (top number) and 80 diastolic (bottom number).
2. Cholesterol Screening
Ages 20+
High levels of cholesterol increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. A simple blood test will help your healthcare provider determine your numbers and if you're at risk. If you have a family history of diabetes or heart disease, you may need yearly screenings. But, again, your doctor can provide the best course of action.
Schedule An Exam
Our care teams provide annual exams and coordinate each patient's medical care, including checkups, immunizations, referrals to specialists, lab work, X-rays & imaging and hospital admissions.
A colonoscopy can detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Doctors recommend if you have an average risk of colon cancer, begin screening at age 50. However, if you have an increased risk or family history, consider screening sooner. Generally, screening is advised every ten years, but if you are at risk, get screened every 3-to 5 years, depending on the recommendation after your initial colonoscopy.
4. Diabetes
Ages 45+
Prediabetes and diabetes can run in the family, so it's recommended to get screened for type 2 diabetes every three years if you know your history. Risk factors of diabetes include; heart disease and stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, and impotence. Talk to your doctor about testing for this dangerous condition and what steps you can take for prevention.
5. Skin Cancer
Ages 20+
If you have a family history of skin cancer or experienced sunburns as a child, you're at higher risk for skin cancer. First, consult a dermatologist for a baseline skin check, and then annual checkups are routine. Self-care at home includes keeping an eye on changing moles and birthmarks as they signal a problem. And don't forget the sunscreen—even during the winter months!
6. Glaucoma
Ages 40+
It's important to have regular eye exams to detect and treat glaucoma before damage to the optic nerve occurs. Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs, so early detection is imperative. If found in the early stages and treated adequately, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. The American Academy of Ophthalmology is a trusted resource for ophthalmic education.
7. Prostate Cancer
Ages 50+
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men and can be detected using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. This type of cancer can be slow-growing or aggressive and fast-growing. Therefore, early screening is vital before symptoms develop. If you have a family history, you can begin testing at age 40. Additionally, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the test.
8. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Ages 65+
If you've ever smoked, you should have an ultrasound to test for an abdominal aortic aneurysm—a weakened area of the aorta that can enlarge and rupture if it gets too large. Otherwise, men who have never smoked are at decreased risk, and your doctor can decide if this screening is necessary.
Tiffany Banks is one of the newest members of the Renown Health Foundation Board of Directors. She’s part of a dedicated group of 28 volunteers who lead fundraising for Renown Health, northern Nevada’s only not-for-profit academic health system.
Tiffany brings bold vision and relentless drive to make real change. She’s a founding member of Mamas for a Cause, a Reno nonprofit that raised $50,000 to support breast care services at the Conrad Breast Center at Renown South Meadows, a cause that’s deeply personal to her. She’s also an attorney and the CEO of Nevada REALTORS®, where she has shaped policies and amplified the voice of real estate professionals across the state.
Now she’s setting her sights on the title of Mrs. Nevada America, an honor celebrating women defined by service, ambition and heart.
Get to know Tiffany in her own words. Why she gives back, what motivates her to lead, and how she’s working to create lasting change.
You probably know testosterone (T) plays an important role in how boys physically develop into men. But is that all you know? What happens when a man's T levels are off? Are there symptoms men should look for? And what are the treatment options? Dr. Bobby Kahlon, Renown Medical Group provides answers in a Testosterone Q&A.
Renown Health is proud to unveil a special new space just for breast health—created with your comfort and care at the center. So, what makes this place so special? Let's break it down.
