Most men don’t think about their health until there’s a problem. By that time, it may be too late. That’s why it’s important to get checked regularly for health problems.
In this article, we will discuss nine things that all men should get checked on a regular basis. If you take care of your health now, you’ll be able to avoid major problems down the road!
Every Year:
#1 – Blood Sugar Check
If you have diabetes, or are at risk for developing diabetes, it’s important to get your blood sugar checked regularly. High blood sugar can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you get your blood sugar checked every year. If you have diabetes, you may need to get it checked more often.
#2 – Skin Check
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by wearing sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure.
If you notice any changes in your skin, such as new growths or changes in existing moles, be sure to see a doctor right away. Your doctor will likely recommend that you get a skin check every year.
#3 – PSA Test
The PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland.
The PSA test can be used to screen for prostate cancer or to monitor the progression of the disease.
Your doctor may recommend that you get a PSA test if you are a man over the age of 50 or if you have a family history of prostate cancer.
You should discuss the risks and benefits of the PSA test with your doctor before having the test.
PSA levels can also be affected by benign conditions, such as an enlarged prostate. If your PSA level is elevated, it does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer.
Other tests, such as a digital rectal exam or a biopsy, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
The PSA test is just one tool that your doctor can use to evaluate your risk of prostate cancer. Other factors, such as your age, race, and family history, may also be considered.
If you have questions about the PSA test or your risk of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor.
Every 3 Years:
#4 – Colonoscopy
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, but it is also one of the most preventable.
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the inside of your large intestine (colon) for signs of disease.
During a colonoscopy, a small camera is inserted into your rectum and passed through your colon.
Your doctor will look for abnormal growths, or polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancer.
If you are 50 years old or older, you should have a colonoscopy every three years. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you may need to have the procedure more often.
Every 4 Years:
#5 – Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Check
High blood pressure and high cholesterol don’t usually have any symptoms, which is why it’s important to get them checked regularly.
Your doctor will likely check your blood pressure at every 3-5 years. If it’s high, they may recommend lifestyle changes or medication.
They’ll also do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol levels. If they’re high, you may need to take cholesterol-lowering medication.
Every Chance You Get:
#6 – Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create a picture of your heart.
It can help your doctor check for things like heart valve problems and an enlarged heart.
If you have risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may recommend you get one every chance you have.
#7 – Liver Enzyme Test
A liver enzyme test is a blood test that checks for enzymes that are released into your blood when your liver is damaged or inflamed.
If you have risk factors for liver disease, such as obesity or type-II diabetes, your doctor may recommend you get this test every chance you have.
They’ll also do a simple physical exam, looking for anything that might be causing the pain.
If they can’t find a cause, they may order some tests, including:
- An MRI of your lower back (to look for problems with your spine)
- A CT scan of your abdomen (to look for problems with your kidneys)
- Blood tests ((to check for problems with your liver)
- A bone scan (to check for problems with your bones)
Once they’ve ruled out all the other possibilities, they’ll likely diagnose you with fibromyalgia.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are treatments that can help lessen the pain and other symptoms.
These include:
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Medications ((such as pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs)
If you think you might have fibromyalgia, see your doctor. The sooner you start treatment, the better. With the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and live a full life.
#8 – TSH Test
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It’s job is to make thyroid hormone, which helps regulate your body’s metabolism. If your thyroid isn’t making enough hormone, you have hypothyroidism.
TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. It’s a hormone made by your pituitary gland that tells your thyroid gland to make thyroid hormone.
- If your TSH level is high, it means your pituitary gland is trying to stimulate your thyroid gland to make more thyroid hormone, but your thyroid gland isn’t responding. This can be a sign of hypothyroidism.
- If your TSH level is low, it means your thyroid gland is making too much thyroid hormone. This can be a sign of hyperthyroidism.
Free T-four (FT-four) is a measure of the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood.
- If your FT-four level is low, it means you have hypothyroidism.
- If your FT-four level is high, it means you have hyperthyroidism.
#9 – Lung Screenings
If you’re a man over the age of 50, and you’ve ever smoked cigarettes, you should get a lung screening.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men.
The earlier lung cancer is caught, the better your chances are of surviving it.
A lung screening is a low-dose CT scan of your lungs.
It can help find lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
You should talk to your doctor about whether a lung screening is right for you.
Conclusion
We hope this health guide for men has been helpful. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a good starting point. Check with your doctor to find out what you need to get checked and when. And don’t forget that regular checkups are important – even if you feel like you’re in perfect health. Thanks for reading!
