Introduction:
On an average Men often pass away five years earlier than women the reason is men are more likely to develop heart disease, lung cancer, and HIV than women. Men additionally suffer from specific health conditions, such as prostate cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol. Therefore, to improve the life span of men it’s important to increase awareness of preventive screenings and regular men’s health checkup of all ages in order to improve men’s health.
The following men’s health checkup can help in detecting these issues early, allowing you to manage your health more effectively:
Cholesterol Screening – For Heart Issues
High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol and elevated triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.A quick fasting blood test can provide this information.
- By age 20, a baseline examination should be performed.
- Start having routine cholesterol tests at the age of 35.
- For guys with normal cholesterol levels, every five years.
More frequently if lifestyle modifications (such as weight increase and nutrition changes) are made. More frequently if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues, or certain other illnesses.
Type 2 Diabetes
Males are more prone to developing diabetes than females are, particularly type 2 Diabetes (et.al. Hannah Simmons, M.Sc., et al. Chloe Barnett, BSc), provided a review. The risk of type 2 diabetes rises with age and is higher than average for those with a family history of the disease, as well as for those from certain ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, levels rise as a result of your body’s inability to break down sugar.
- If someone is at a greater risk, such as someone over 40, it is advised that they get screened for diabetes every three years.
- These screens are essential for identifying persons at elevated risk for type 2 diabetes since it is possible to prevent the disease in roughly 6 out of 10 people with high risk of developing the diabetes (pre-diabetes).
- The commonly used diabetes screening test is HBA1C, which determines average blood sugar.
- If type 2 diabetes untreated can damage blood vessels,eyes,kidneys and nerves and it can even lead to heart disease or a stroke.
Colonoscopy – For Colorectal Cancer
A kind of cancer that develops in the colon, also referred to as the large intestine, or the rectum is called colo-rectal cancer. A colonoscopy examination can help detect changes or abnormalities in the rectum and large intestine.
A colonoscopy is typically advised starting at age 45 and every 10 years thereafter. Since adults beyond the required age have a higher chance of developing colo-rectal cancer.
This test can identify cancer and prevent it if precancerous cells are found.
Blood Pressure Measurement – For High Blood Pressure
If left untreated, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause numerous other health issues, including kidney disease and heart disease, by causing your blood pressure to rise to unsafe levels.
Men’s health checkup is crucial. A minimum of once a year, or as frequently as your doctor advises, should be spent measuring your blood pressure if you’re 45 or older.
Digital Rectal Exam/PSA Screening – For Prostate Cancer
The second most prevalent cause of cancer mortality in American males is prostate cancer, which is also the most often diagnosed cancer. According to research, constantly monitoring individuals with early-diagnosed prostate cancer reduces their risk of dying from the disease.
One of the most prevalent tumours in males, prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer can cause severe harm if it spreads to the neighbouring tissues and organs.
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test may be used in conjunction with the Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), a prostate cancer screening test. A physical examination and/or a quick blood test can both be used to assess the health of your prostate.
Men should think about getting screened at age 50, or earlier if they are at greater risk of prostate cancer.
HIV Screening
AIDS is brought on by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which also weakens the immune system. Your body has a harder time fighting off illnesses or infections as a result. Early diagnosis can aid in controlling the spread of this virus.
HIV screening is a test that looks for HIV antibodies and antigens in the blood. It is also known as an immunoassay. If untreated, it may develop into the deadly illness AIDS.
Routine Screenings – For STD s/STIs
If you engage in sexual activity, you should think about getting a regular exam for infections or diseases that are transferred sexually.Depending on the STD in question, infections may spread via shared needles.
Strategies to promote STI testing and screening can determine a person’s risk of contracting a STI and assist those who already have one in receiving treatment, improving men’s health checkup and reducing the likelihood that STIs will spread to others.
The majority of STDs or STIs are treatable, however it is preferable to catch them early in order to stop them from getting worse or from spreading to a partner.
If you are older than 35, you must additionally get a CBC blood test every two years.
Skin Cancer Check
Men should periodically check their skin for changes in the colour, shape, or size of markings and moles since males are more than twice as likely as women to develop basal and squamous cell skin cancers.
Dental Test
It is advised that you visit the dentist for a checkup once a year to ensure the oral health of your teeth and gums.
Eye and Ear Test
Have an eye checkup that includes an examination of your retina (back of your eye) at least once a year if you have diabetes. If you notice any issues with your vision or hearing, for an eye test or hearing test.
Every 2 to 4 years for men between aged group of 40 to 54 years old, and every 1 to 3 years for men between aged group 55 to 64 years old, should get an eye test. If you have visual issues or are at risk for glaucoma, your doctor may advise more frequent eye exams.
If you have a family history, it should be checked regularly since it aids in the early identification of any eye or ear problems.
References:
- Health screenings for men ages 40 to 64
- Kochanek KD, Murphy SL, Xu J, Arias E. Mortality in the United States, 2016: NCHS Data Brief, No. 293. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2017.
- 7 Must-Have Health Check-ups for Every Man
- What Health Checks Should Men Get?
- Murphy SL, Xu J, Kochanek KD, Arias E. Mortality in the United States, 2017.
