Men have a reputation for skipping the doctor’s office. We’re often terrible at taking care of ourselves and can take our health for granted. It isn’t until we have a heart attack or start to have negative health reactions that we finally think about making some healthier lifestyle changes. However, this reactive way of looking at our health can lead to irreparable health conditions and even death.
To better care for ourselves, we need to be proactive, and one of the best ways to be proactive is by completing regular testing. A few tests every man needs include:
Annual Physical
Get acquainted with your doctor by seeing him or her on a regular basis for your annual physical. Knowing your doctor will not only make it more comfortable for you to ask questions should you be concerned, but it will also make it easier for your doctor to note any changes in your health.
Prostate Exam
Most men cringe when it comes to thinking about having a prostate exam. And really, you’re welcome to feel that way. Prostate exams are awkward and usually uncomfortable, but they are necessary. Prostate cancer is highly prevalent in men, and can cause a variety of complications if left untreated or if caught in later stages. Don’t wait to have a prostate exam until you severely struggle with urination. Have one regularly to ensure your health.
Cancer Test
Cancer is the second largest killer in the United States, falling behind only heart disease. Because cancer is a leading cause of death, it is important to complete a special kind of testing known as molecular diagnostics to determine if you have any genetic mutations which may result in cancer. By knowing in advance if you may have genetic predispositions to cancer, you can make sure to better monitor your health which will increase your likelihood of catching cancer early. And with most types of cancer, by catching it early you dramatically increase your likelihood of survival.
Blood Test
Heart disease is the number one killer in men. We have a habit of drinking too much, eating too much, and moving to little – all of which can only heighten our risks for heart disease. A regular blood test is a great way to check your cholesterol levels, your triglycerides, and other indicators that could be related to heart disease. By learning ahead of time that your cholesterol is high, you can be more proactive about your lifestyle and make the choices you need to create a healthier life.
Colonoscopy
Like the prostate exam, most men cringe at the thought of a colonoscopy. However, colorectal cancer is no joke and the only way to determine whether or not you have it is by having a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy allows doctors to see whether or not you have any polyps. If polyps are present, they are then biopsied to make sure that you do not have cancer.
Men should have their first colonoscopy at age 50 and then have one every 5 years. If your family has a history of colorectal cancer, however, you need to have a colonoscopy earlier, preferably 5 years earlier than the age of youngest person’s diagnostic age. So if your father was diagnosed at age 45, you would need to have your first colonoscopy at the age of 40.
There really is no excuse for not taking proper and proactive care of your health. Sure, the doctor’s office is rarely a fun place, but having a heart attack isn’t exactly fun either. By monitoring your health at an early age, you can provide better care for yourself which will ultimately increase your quality of life in the long run.
