If you’re making a health a priority for 2020, then you should take your overall health seriously, not just focus on diet and exercise. Regular health screenings is the best way to take responsibility for your health and catch early signs of problems like high blood pressure or high blood pressure. A lot of men skip out on those tests, but this is a bad idea if you want to stay informed about your health. By having these tests, you’ll be armed with the best knowledge to look after yourself.
Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure is common among men, and if left uncontrolled, it can increase your risk of stroke or heart attacks. From the age of 20, all men should get a blood pressure check at least every other year. Make sure it is at or near 120/80. If you have high blood pressure thanks to your genetics, stress or other factors, you should think about having it tested more often. After the age of 40, a yearly test is the best idea.
Cholesterol Screening
High cholesterol is also a common problem for men. As with your blood pressure, you should start having tests at 20. Have your fasting lipoprotein profile checked every four to six years. This test checks your levels of good and bad cholesterol, and determines your risk of heart disease. If you have chronically high cholesterol than you should get more frequent tests.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Screening
If you’re sexually active, it’s wise to get tested for STDs, even if you don’t have an STD symptoms. Many have no symptoms and can go unnoticed for years. Young men, or those casually dating, should have semi-frequent tests. You should be tested if you have had unprotected sex with someone that you don’t know the sexual histoy of. A test every few months is simple and you can even get your results by text message now to keep things easy. Get tested for STDs and HIV for peace of mind.
Diabetes Screening
With a check of your blood glucose levels, your Doctor can determine your risk of developing Diabetes. Diabetes can lead to heart disease and other major medical problems if you leave it untreated. Starting at the age of 45, you should have a test for Diabetes at least every three years. If you’re overweight or have a family history of Diabetes, you may need a screening more frequently. Overweight men should start getting Diabetes screenings in their mid-20s and try to commit to a lifestyle change that will delay or prevent the onset of Diabetes later in life.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is a deadly cancer, but treatment is very effective if it is detected early. For most men, they should start getting prostate screenings at age 50. If you have a history of prostate cancer in your immediate family, or are African-American it can be worthwhile starting those screenings in your 40s instead. Discuss this with your Doctor first to make sure it’s the best plan for you.
Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer is also a killer of men, and has a recommended age to start screenings at age 50 too. As with other conditions, early screenings are smart for those with a family history of colon cancer. Young men with a history of inflammatory bowel disease or polyps should also be screen sooner. These screenings should be continued until the age of 75, with stool sample tests, colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Osteoporosis Screening
Both men and women are susceptible to this illness which causes brittle bones as they get older. You should start having screenings at the age of 50. Testing is especially important if you have ever used steroids for a long period of time. Men over 50 who have suffered a fracture past that age, have a low body weight or a family history of osteoporosis should also have regular tests.
Having these screenings is a great way to give you peace of mind about your health. If any of the tests do come back positive, then you know you have made the discovery soon enough to do something about it. Most of these conditions can be treated much more effectively the sooner you catch them, so never be tempted to skip a regular health screening. A regular check-up from your Doctor is smart too, so while you’re there, make sure you ask them about any tests or screenings that you should consider having to safeguard your health.
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