Men typically feel like they don’t need to go through the same check-ups as women. But the truth is, men should be just as health-conscious about themselves as women are. The important check-ups are not only for women. Men need to keep themselves healthy too. So, here are some tips on what men should do in their lives during different stages of life. And the best part is that most of these things you can actually fit into your schedule today. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming either. It just requires attention and effort.
The Important Mens’ Check-ups: Tips for the Modern Man
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Blood Pressure Checks
The first thing any man needs to do is get his blood pressure checked regularly (at least every two years). High blood pressure can cause damage to vital organs like kidneys, heart, and even brain cells over time if it’s left unchecked. This could lead to strokes or other serious complications as well, so detection will make all the difference.
Blood Tests
The next thing you need to do is have your blood tested at least once per year. It will detect whether or not there are any abnormal levels of substances that might indicate the real cause for concern. For example, suppose they find high levels of cholesterol in a man’s body. In that case, he should take steps to lower them before an eventual heart attack occurs. Cholesterol checks at least once between ages 20 and 29 or 40, depending on your risk factors. Also, include a lipid profile test around age 35 if cholesterol is high in the family history of heart disease or premature coronary artery disease diagnosis.
Heart Check-up
If there has been high blood pressure or cholesterol levels in your family, it would be wise to add this appointment to your list. A yearly EKG test will show whether you’re at risk for clogged arteries, leading to strokes or heart attacks down the line. At the same time, an ultrasound may reveal signs of plaque buildup around major organ vessels.
Cancer Screenings
If you are over the age of 50, it is recommended that men have a yearly prostate exam. This can be done through digital rectal exams or blood tests to check for any signs of cancerous cells in the gland, which could metastasize into more severe forms later on. A colonoscopy may also reveal early warning signs about colorectal cancers since this type often doesn’t show symptoms until it’s too late.
Eye Health Checkup
Every man should make sure to get his eyes checked at least once every two years by an ophthalmologist who specializes in adult eye care. You’ll know exactly whether your vision has changed and, if so, how much progress you’ve made with corrective lenses. You may also find that you have a higher risk for developing eye diseases which can be treated before they become severe.
Ear Check-up
If your hearing has been acting up lately, it might be time to set up an appointment with an ear specialist. First, a routine examination can check if there are any signs of wax buildup or infection in the ears. Both are common causes behind temporary loss of hearing. In addition, an otoscope will reveal whether you’re at high risk for further complications like tinnitus and deafness down the line, as well as what type of treatment options are available to reduce symptoms now.
Mental Health Evaluation
All men should make sure to schedule appointments with their primary care physicians on a yearly basis since mental health concerns can be difficult to detect through self-reporting. For example, suppose you have a family history of depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. In that case, the doctor may suggest prescribing medication for underlying mental health conditions so they can’t interfere with your ability to function on a daily basis.
Skin Check-up
Yearly dermatological screening is a vital check-up that every man should make sure he gets at least once in his life. You’ll know if any early warning signs like moles are present and whether there have been significant changes in their appearance, which might signal skin cancer risks higher than average. The specialist will also review how much sun exposure you’ve gotten over time to determine if it has contributed towards dryness or premature wrinkling. Both are common problems among middle-aged men who work in outdoor professions.
One of the main goals of these exams is to detect any problems before they become serious. So it’s crucial to be honest with your doctor about all symptoms you may have experienced over the past year and come prepared with questions about anything else on your mind. A good example will be if you notice new hair loss since your last visit. It could indicate health issues like low testosterone levels (a tetogel pump treatment can help fix this), high iron, low Vitamin D.
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