June is Men’s Health Month – the purpose of this month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.
Men are usually “too busy” or “feel fine” when the topic of annual checkups are touched. Many of the major health risks that men face – like colon cancer, prostate cancer and heart disease – can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests can find diseases early!
Below are screening guidelines for men ages 40 to 64:
Blood Pressure: Have it checked once a year, unless you are a diabetic or have kidney problems. High Blood pressure puts unnecessary pressure on your heart and vessels that can lead to stroke and organ damage.
High cholesterol can increase your risk of having a heart attack.
Test your glucose to rule out Diabetes.
Colon cancer screening should be done if you are between 50 and 75 (unless you have a family history of this). Options range from a simple stool test to a colonoscopy if you have any change in bowel movements.
Osteoporosis is common in men that have a low body weight, smoke, had long-term steroid use, had a fracture after age 50, have a history of heavy alcohol use etc. A bone density test is available to test for this and necessary to treat it!
Prostate cancer must be screened for in men over 50, earlier testing is important for men with a family history or symptoms. Physical exams every five years and a PSA blood test yearly are sufficient in asymptomatic individuals.
Men should visit their GP once a year even if they have no time: Have those screening tests done, discuss possible situations that might lead to depression and anxiety and just make sure everything is really fine!
By Dr Deseré Ferreira.