Men are the weaker sex - at least statistically speaking. In fact, the average American man dies five years sooner than the average woman. Heart attacks in Rick Stult's family, "Both my brothers had heart attacks by the time they were 48, so that puts me a little cautious at checking the heart. I get blood tests for cholesterol every 3 months, I usually do a stress test every 2 years."

Physician Joel Van Sickler says that like Rick, most men know how important it is to have their heart health checked regularly. And knowing your cholesterol levels and blood pressure numbers should not be overlooked. "Hypertension is considered the silent killer because it causes heart disease, it causes stroke, it causes kidney failure."

In addition to cardiovascular screenings, colorectal and prostate screening exams can detect diseases at their eariler stages, which is when it's much easier to treat, increasing a man's chances of survival.

Oncology Care Specialist Laurie Wise says that it's recommended that you get a colonoscopy starting at age 50 unless you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. "Over a hundred thousand people alone in Florida will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. So there is a huge need in our area to help educate the public about screening and prevention."

The American Cancer Society recommends men begin screening for prostate cancer starting at the age of 50-but African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should talk to their doctor about screening earlier. Urologist Jasper Rizzo says, "There is no other way to check rather other then patient coming in and doing the rectal exam in the office and having the PSA done."

These are the basic health screenings for men that are recommended so together you can your doctor can learn what's normal for you early on so you'll be able to detect any serious changes later.

Tomorrow: it's the women's turn. We'll take a look at the health issues they need to be most aware of, and important tests and screening every woman should have.