Bringing awareness to men’s health is the focal point during National Men’s Health Week. This year, Men’s Health Week is recognized from June 13–19. This week is important because it highlights the importance and seriousness of routine health screenings and doctor visits for men to prevent any future health problems and diseases. So, we’re taking the time to encourage men to take preventative measures for their health and wellbeing.
Below is a list of tests men should be screened regularly for to prevent further health complications and stay in tip-top health.
1. Prostate Health
It’s recommended that men should have their first prostate screening at the age of 50. There are two tests men can opt to take to have their prostate checked: Digital rectal examination (DRE) or Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The DRE test is when a physician inserts a finger into the rectum to feel whether the prostate gland is enlarged or has any lumps. A PSA test measures the blood level of a certain protein that is produced by the prostate gland and can be elevated in men with prostate cancer.
2. Colorectal Health
Colon cancer is another deadly disease but is easily detected and prevented. It’s recommended that men start having colon screenings at the age of 50, as well. However, men who have a family history of colon cancer should get screened sooner, as should younger men with a history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. Men should continue to have this screening until roughly the age of 75 by way of stool sample tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy.
3. Heart Health
Controlling levels of blood pressure and cholesterol are preventative steps in having a healthy heart and limiting any sort of heart disease or complications.
Blood pressure should be checked regularly, as uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to heart attacks and strokes. By the age of 20, men should begin getting their blood pressure checked at least every other year to make sure it is at or near 120/80.
Regarding cholesterol, men over the age of 20 should start having their fasting lipoprotein profile checked every four to six years. This medical test checks levels of good (HDL) cholesterol and bad (LDL) cholesterol to determine whether there is an increased risk of heart disease. It’s recommended that men over the age of 40 have their cholesterol checked every five years; however, high cholesterol levels will require more frequent testing.
4. Skin Health
More women than men get melanoma before the age of 50, but by age 65 the ratio reverses. Men then get melanoma twice as often as women. By the age of 80, men account for three times more cases of melanoma than women.
Check any concerning marks, moles, or new spots on the skin every month. Also, keep an eye on any sores that don’t seem to heal. You should have your doctor check your skin during any routine physical.
5. Check BMI
Checking your body mass index measures your body fat based on your height and weight, and can easily be done at home. There are several websites on the internet that can help detect your BMI and can determine if you’re overweight or at risk for developing obesity.
6. Diabetes
Screening of blood glucose levels can determine your risk of developing diabetes, which can lead to health diseases and other medical issues. Men should get tested for diabetes at the age of 45 and do so every three years. Screenings are recommended for men who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes.
Keep the men in your life healthy all year round by encouraging them to be screened routinely and prevent any medical complications.