9 Critical Health Checks Every Man Must Prioritize for a Happier and Longer Life

It is a widely accepted fact that men tend to avoid going to the doctor more than women. Shockingly, women are twice as likely to seek medical attention for examinations, screenings, and preventive health consultations despite having a lower chance of dying from the top 10 causes of death.

Preventive health checkups are essential to maintaining good health in men. These checkups can also help detect dangerous cancers early enough to save lives.

To have more time on this earth, here are some of the checkups men should prioritize:

1. Blood Sugar Check

Yearly checks for glucose levels are imperative for men to decrease their likelihood of significant cardiac disease. Diabetes, a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels, increases the risk of heart disease and other complications such as kidney damage and erectile dysfunction caused by nerve damage. Annual glucose testing is the best way to diagnose diabetes before it progresses too far.

Many men with the beginnings of diabetes and/or a diagnosis of diabetes can be managed appropriately with diet and exercise. If lifestyle management with diet and exercise is not sufficient, there are oral medicines and/or insulin that can be used.

2. Skin Check

Men who have a family history of skin cancer or have had significant sunburns in the past are at high risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer can affect men of any age.

It is vital to have a yearly skin check by a dermatologist. At home, men should keep a close eye on their moles and birthmarks, as slight changes can signify concerning etiology. Consistent use of sunscreen is paramount.

3. PSA Test

Prostate cancer is prevalent in men, with one in seven men being diagnosed with the disease. Other than skin cancer, it is the most common form of cancer in American men. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood level test, along with digital rectal exams (DREs), are the best ways to detect prostate cancer.

All men aged 50 to 70 should be checked on a yearly basis. If a man has a family history of prostate cancer or an unknown history, PSA testing should begin at the age of 40.

Don't wait for a health scare before you seek medical attention. Make these checkups a priority in your life to have a healthier and longer life.

4. Colonoscopy

The colonoscopy, a procedure that invokes fear and discomfort, is deemed an inevitable milestone for the mature members of our society, regardless of their gender. The apprehension is not unfounded, as studies reveal that the risk of colon cancer increases as one surpasses the ripe age of 50. Nonetheless, certain lifestyle choices, such as consuming copious amounts of animal fat, and having a medical history of inflammatory bowel disease, might also put one in the danger zone.

Unless a man has a lineage with a history of colon cancer, they should undertake a screening colonoscopy upon crossing the fiftieth milestone. However, the procedure is not a one-time affair, as future colonoscopies should be scheduled every three to ten years, contingent on the outcome of each individual colonoscopy.

5. Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Check.

The insidiousness of high blood pressure cannot be understated, as it ranks atop the list of culprits responsible for the occurrence of strokes in men. The consequences of ignoring this condition are dire and could lead to grave complications. Moreover, it is imperative to be vigilant of one's cholesterol levels, given its potential to precipitate severe cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, certain pharmacies in your locality offer blood pressure screening services with a no-appointment policy, thus enabling you to stay on top of this critical health indicator. As for men, it is recommended that they undergo cholesterol screening every three to five years once they cross the age of twenty, and thereafter on an annual basis once they turn 50.

6. Echocardiogram

Numerous perilous cardiac risk factors can be identified by undergoing uncomplicated cholesterol testing and blood pressure monitoring, coupled with weight management. However, in cases where a family history of cardiac disease exists or the individual is already aware of their elevated cholesterol or high blood pressure, it is imperative to undergo further diagnostic testing such as echocardiograms or cardiac stress tests. These tests can detect any potential significant heart damage and can help in devising a proper treatment plan.

7. Liver Enzyme Test

As part of the routine blood work, liver enzyme testing is conducted to assess the liver's condition, which can be affected by multiple factors, including alcohol consumption. Given that men generally consume more alcohol than women, it is crucial for them to get these enzymes checked regularly. The elevation of these enzymes can be attributed to over-the-counter medication, inflammatory disorders, thyroid disorders, obesity, and certain toxicities, in addition to alcohol consumption.

8. TSH Test

The thyroid gland plays a pivotal role in regulating metabolism by releasing hormones that impact every cell in the body. Any alterations in the hormone levels produced by the thyroid can significantly impact a man's life and cause symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, exhaustion, or fatigue. A simple blood test, known as the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test, can help determine the thyroid's functioning and identify any irregularities.

Unfortunately, many men often mistake the symptoms of an underactive or overactive thyroid for normal life experiences. However, through proper testing, any abnormalities in thyroid function can be diagnosed and treated with medication.

9. Lung Screenings

Among all types of cancers, lung cancer is the most preventable. Studies show that smoking is responsible for 90% of all lung cancer cases. The remaining cases are usually associated with genetic predisposition or exposure to secondhand smoke or harmful chemicals. Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing lung cancer.

In most cases, lung cancer is an incidental finding discovered during scans conducted for other purposes. Although lung cancer screening is somewhat controversial, conventional scanning methods tend to expose patients to high levels of radiation. However, experts in the field are exploring the possibility of using lower-dose CAT scans, which could be the future of lung cancer screening. It is important to note that an annual chest X-ray is not a reliable screening tool for lung cancer.