9 Things That Men Should Have Checked
9 Things That Men
Should Have Checked
Statistics show that men are more prone than women to avoid going to the doctor. Despite the fact that women are significantly less likely to die from one of the top 10 causes of death, they are 100 percent more likely to see a doctor for examinations, screenings, and preventive health consultations.
“Many men are lost between their paediatrician and their first health crisis in their 50s,” says Leslie Schlachter, head of Mount Sinai’s Men’s Health Program. “You shouldn’t need to be scared to go to the doctor.”
“Preventive health screenings have been linked to healthier males.” These checkups may also lead to the detection of life-threatening malignancies early enough to save lives.”
Here are the checkups you should schedule right now so you can have more time in general:
Every Year
1. Check Your Blood Sugar
“Yearly glucose monitoring are essential for men to reduce their risk of serious heart illness,” Schlachter explains. Diabetes, a chronic condition marked by high blood sugar levels, raises your risk of heart disease as well as other consequences such as kidney damage and erectile dysfunction owing to nerve damage. Annual glucose testing is the most effective way to detect diabetes before it progresses too far.
“Many men with diabetes symptoms and/or a diagnosis can be effectively managed with diet and exercise,” Schlachter adds. “Oral medications and/or insulin can be utilised if lifestyle management with diet and exercise is insufficient.”
As you can see, avocados are extremely nutrient-dense fruits that are high in healthy fats, fibre, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
They’re high in nutrients like magnesium, B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate, which are commonly low in many people’s diets.
Half an avocado, for example, has 10% of the daily need for potassium.
2. Examine your skin
Skin cancer is more likely in men who have a family history of the disease or who have had a lot of sunburns when they were younger. Skin cancer can strike males of any age, according to Schlachter.
“It’s critical to see a dermatologist at least once a year for a skin check.” Men should keep a tight check on their moles and birthmarks at home, she advised, because even little alterations can indicate a problem with the aetiology. “It’s critical to wear sunscreen on a regular basis.”
3. Take a PSA test
Prostate cancer affects one out of every seven males. It is the most frequent type of cancer in American men, except for skin cancer. The PSA blood level test, as well as digital rectal exams (DREs), are the most effective ways to diagnose prostate cancer.
“Every man between the ages of 50 and 70 should be checked once a year,” she said. “PSA testing should begin at the age of 40 if a man has a family history of prostate cancer or an unknown history.”
Every 3 Years
4. Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a rite of passage for men (and women) over 50, as this is when the risk of colon cancer rises. A medical history of inflammatory bowel illness or a high-fat diet are two more risk factors.
“A screening colonoscopy should be done at the age of 50 if a male has no family history of colon cancer.” “Based on the outcomes of each colonoscopy, future colonoscopies are done every three to ten years,” Schlachter explains.
Every 4 Years
5. Check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke in males, and if left untreated, it can be fatal. High cholesterol can potentially cause major cardiovascular issues such as a heart attack or stroke. “Get a thorough exam and some basic blood work,” Schlachter advises. “Many pharmacies in the area can check your blood pressure without an appointment.”
Men over the age of 20 should get their cholesterol examined every three to five years, and after 50, once a year.
At Every Opportunity
6. Ultrasound of the heart (Echocardiogram)
Simple cholesterol tests and blood pressure monitoring, as well as weight control, can detect several lethal cardiac risk factors.
According to Schlachter, echocardiograms or cardiac stress tests can confirm that there is no substantial heart damage if there is a family history of cardiac disease or if you already have known raised cholesterol or high blood pressure.
7. Test for Liver Enzymes
Liver enzyme testing is a routine blood test that tests for damage to the liver caused by a variety of factors, including alcohol consumption – males, on average, consumes more alcohol than women.
“It’s critical for males to have these enzymes examined,” Schlachter adds, “since they can run high owing to over-the-counter drugs, alcohol intake, inflammatory illnesses, thyroid disorders, obesity, and some toxicities.”
8. Test for TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
By releasing hormones that govern metabolism, the thyroid aids every cell in your body. Any changes in the hormones it generates can have a negative impact on a man’s life, leading to weight gain, lethargy, tiredness, and fatigue. Your doctor can examine the function of your thyroid with a blood test called a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test.
“Unfortunately, many of the symptoms of an underactive or hyperactive thyroid are symptoms that many men believe are ‘part of life,” adds Schlachter. However, if abnormalities are discovered during testing, they can typically be treated with medicine.
9. Lung Scan
Lung cancer is cancer that can be prevented the most. Ninety percent of the time, it’s discovered in smokers. The remaining persons are usually those who have a genetic susceptibility to it or have been exposed to secondhand smoke or caustic chemicals.
“Lung cancer is commonly an incidental finding on scans that are done for another cause,” Schlachter explains. The use of well-accepted techniques of scanning, which are high in radiation, for lung cancer screening is controversial,” she noted. “Experts in lung cancer screening are looking on lower-dose CAT scans, which could be the way of the future.” As a screening technique, an annual chest X-ray is not suggested.
SUMMARY
Embrace a Healthier Way of Life
Between doctor visits, men and everyone, for that matter can prevent disease in a variety of ways.
Exercise three to four times a week for 30 to 45 minutes each session. Include a combination of cardiovascular and weight-training exercises.
Eat a low-fat, well-balanced diet that contains a variety of vegetables, fruit, protein, fibre, lean meats, and complex carbohydrates, while avoiding processed foods and added sweets.
Water. Keep yourself hydrated by consuming plenty of water.
Don’t smoke. People who smoke account for 90% of lung cancer diagnoses. In addition to lung cancer, smoking raises the risk of a variety of other cancers and chronic disorders.
Drink in moderation. Don’t overindulge in alcoholic beverages.
Sleep. You should get at least seven hours of sleep per night.