Surveys have shown that men are less likely to visit a doctor or go for regular check-ups. Let’s change that. Take a look at these 5 men’s health check ups, which men should get especially if they are 25 years and older.
While many of us like to keep our heads down and only visit the doctor when it’s absolutely necessary, this isn’t always the best idea. Going for regular health checks is preventative and if there is a health concern, it’s more likely to be caught early.
Studies have shown that on average men pass away approximately 5 years earlier than their wives. This is often attributed to biological factors, but regular health checks are a necessity to stay ahead of any potential health concerns, especially as you get older.
There are a few imperative men’s health check ups for men over the age of 25.
Health check ups for men 25 and older
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Cholesterol
Medical research has proven that you should get your cholesterol checked every 4–6 years, but if you suffer from some health conditions like diabetes or a heart condition, it is advised to have your cholesterol assessed more often.
Other factors like if you smoke, if you’re overweight or if you have a genetic history of high cholesterol in your family mean you should have your cholesterol checked more often and from a younger age.
Your cholesterol levels can be assessed by simple blood tests which look at three parameters: good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides.
High levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. On average, a total cholesterol level of 125–200 mg/dL is considered healthy.
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Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. If you have high blood pressure, you are at risk of health conditions like heart or kidney disease or the potential of having a stroke.
High blood pressure is caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- Being overweight
- Consuming too much salt and not enough fruits and veggies
- Lack of physical activity
- Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
- Smoking
- High stress levels over prolonged periods
You can easily measure your blood pressure at home using a monitor. The reading will have two numbers:
- Systolic (measured when the heart beats and blood pressure is at its highest)
- Diastolic (measured between heartbeats when blood pressure is at its lowest)
A healthy blood pressure range is 120/80 mm Hg or less. One high reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have high blood pressure, but consistently high readings require medical attention.
Learn more: High Blood Pressure and Hypertensive Heart Disease
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Diabetes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are at a higher risk of getting diabetes than women.
As you get older, the risk of getting diabetes increases, but being tested for diabetes is one of the men’s health check ups that should be done approximately every 3 years.
There are two major types of diabetes:
- Type 1: A chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
- Type 2: A chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose).
Factors that increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes include:
- Family history of diabetes
- Being significantly overweight
- Having blood pressure above 130/80 mm Hg
Learn more: Types of Diabetes: Your Questions Answered!
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Eye exam
Many people neglect the health of their eyes. With so much screen time from TVs, laptops, and cell phones, your eyesight can be affected.
If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, try to blink every 20–30 seconds to keep your eyes lubricated. You may also consider using blue-light filter glasses.
It’s important to get your eyes tested every 2–4 years, and every 1–3 years once you’re over 55.
Related: Does staring at screens damage your eyesight?
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Prostate
Prostate cancer is serious. According to Prostate Cancer UK, more than 47,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – that’s about 129 men every day. That is why regular men’s health check ups are so important!
It’s mostly a slow-growing cancer, but some forms are more aggressive. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, your risk is higher. Regular screenings are essential for early detection.
Speak to your doctor about your individual risk and how frequently you should get a prostate exam.
Hopefully this article has shown the importance of prioritising our health. Take your health seriously and ensure that you do these five very important men’s health check ups regularly, because your health is one of the most important things about you!
Yours in hassle-free health insurance,
Oneplan
