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Every man should be aware of these six essential health checks:

Essential Health Checks Might Be Life-Saving, Yet Many Men Delay Them. Here's a Breakdown of Necessary Screenings for Men and Why They Matter Significantly.

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Essential Health Checkups Might Prolong Your Life Span, Yet Many Men Delay Them. Get Acquainted...
Essential Health Checkups Might Prolong Your Life Span, Yet Many Men Delay Them. Get Acquainted with the Necessary Assessments Men Ought to Be Aware of, As well as Their Importance.

Every man should be aware of these six essential health checks:

Cracking the Code on Men's Health: Essential Screenings You Can't Afford to Ignore

Let's face it, chaps: we're not exactly known for our knack for regular doctor visits. But if you've been slacking on health checks, you're not alone. It's high time to get back on track, no matter how great you feel. Here's a lowdown on the crucial health screenings men should have and why they're closer to lifesavers than you might think.

Blood Pressure Tests

Heart attacks and strokes are leading causes of death for American men, and high blood pressure is a major culprit. More than 60% of men aged 40 to 59 have high blood pressure, a number that jumps to a staggering 75% when you hit the big 6-0. The catch? You can't feel high blood pressure – it can wreak havoc on your heart over time. The good news: it's both preventable and treatable. Get it checked at your doctor's office and consider supplementing with regular home checks for accurate results.

Cholesterol Screening

A cholesterol imbalance is another silent killer that contributes to heart attacks and strokes. Ideally, cholesterol checks should be done in your 20s, with follow-ups every one to four years, depending on your age and risk factors. A complete cholesterol panel measures your "good" HDL cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. It's an integral part of calculating heart disease risk. Lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication can help you manage your cholesterol levels.

Diabetes Screening

Men are more likely to develop diabetes than women, and uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, limb loss, and sexual problems. A metabolic panel, a blood test, can help diagnose diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease, giving us a baseline for your health and enabling early treatment. Most men should get a yearly metabolic panel, but if you have diabetes, you may need more frequent checks.

Colonoscopy

One in 24 men will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime, and it's not just an older person's disease. Colon cancer is on the rise in young adults, and it's the leading cause of cancer-related death in men aged 20 to 49. Screening can detect this cancer early, when treatment is often more successful. Depending on your age and medical history, your colorectal cancer screening may be a colonoscopy, a CT colonography, or a stool-based test you can take at home. Screenings should start at age 45, or earlier if you have increased risk factors.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer screenings typically begin between ages 50 and 55 and revolve around a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. High PSAs may indicate cancer or a non-cancerous prostate issue, and additional tests may be necessary. Discuss prostate cancer screenings with your doc to understand the benefits and drawbacks.

Skin Cancer Screening

Melanoma, a potentially deadly type of skin cancer, affects more men than women and causes more deaths in men overall. Change in moles or new growths can be hard to spot, so professional checks are a must to catch melanoma early. Even if you've had a recent skin check, contact your provider if you notice any suspicious changes.

Your primary care provider can handle most of these screenings and coordinate specialist care if needed. Regular health screenings are crucial for men to maintain their health and identify potential issues before they become severe – don't put your health on the back burner. One screening could catch a disease early and save your life.

  1. Despite men often neglecting regular doctor visits, crucial screenings such as blood pressure tests, cholesterol screenings, diabetes screenings, colonoscopies, prostate cancer screenings, and skin cancer screenings are essential for maintaining health and identifying potential issues early.
  2. Men, who are more likely to develop conditions like diabetes and prostate cancer, and are at increased risk for cancer-related deaths, should prioritize regular healthcare checks, including screenings for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, to ensure timely treatment and prevent complications.

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