Men's Health Checkup: What Labs Should You Get Every Year?

Written by Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Elevate Health and Wellness, serving patients across the Gulf Coast in Gautier, MS and Foley, AL.

Why Men Avoid the Doctor

Research from the Cleveland Clinic's MENtion It survey found that 72% of men would rather do household chores than visit the doctor — and nearly 37% avoid going until something is seriously wrong. On the Gulf Coast, where rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity are among the highest in the nation, this reluctance carries real consequences. At Elevate Health and Wellness, Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C provides annual men's evaluations that are thorough, efficient, and completely judgment-free.

Essential Labs for Men Every Year

A complete blood count screens for anemia, infection, and immune abnormalities. A comprehensive metabolic panel assesses kidney function, liver health, blood sugar, and electrolytes. A full lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides — the CDC reports heart disease remains the number one cause of death in American men. HbA1c evaluates average blood sugar over three months, catching prediabetes before it becomes diabetes. A men's hormone panel at Elevate includes total and free testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, estradiol, and thyroid function. PSA screening for prostate health is recommended starting at age 50 for average-risk men, earlier for those with family history.

What Happens After Your Labs

At Elevate, lab results are reviewed with you in plain language. Kristy explains what each number means, identifies trends, and builds a personalized health plan around the findings. If something needs follow-up, you'll know exactly what that looks like and why — no vague 'we'll keep an eye on it.'

Ready for your men's annual evaluation? Visit our Men's Health page or book at our Gautier, MS or Foley, AL location.

Sources: CDC. Men's Health Statistics. cdc.gov. | American Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer Screening. cancer.org. | Cleveland Clinic. MENtion It Survey. clevelandclinic.org.

This article is written by Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and founder of Elevate Health and Wellness. Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized care.