Contributed by – Healthians Team
When it comes to improving the quality of life, getting the right screening at the right time is one of the best things a man can do. These health screenings can help you keep your health in check and alert you if anything is going out of the line. With this early identification, you can take steps to prevent the progression of any condition. So, what are the screenings and blood tests that are recommended for men? Let’s find out!
Blood sugar tests
Certain autoimmune conditions and lifestyle choices and food habits lead to diabetes. In diabetes, your body loses the ability to manage the level of sugar in the blood. Middle-aged men are especially at risk. Sudden weight loss, thirst and slow-healing wounds are some signs of diabetes. Moreover, untreated diabetes can put your heart along with other organs at the risk of serious damage. Fortunately, if identified on time, the condition can be managed. Therefore, you should go for a diabetes test regularly.
Blood pressure test
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is often a symptomless condition but it can be identified with a simple, painless test. Since it raises your risk of heart attack and stroke without giving out any symptoms, the condition should not be ignored. Even if you are not at risk, measuring blood pressure regularly is recommended because, with early detection and simple lifestyle changes, the condition can be prevented from progressing.
(Also read – Hypotension – When low blood pressure becomes a problem)
Cholesterol test
Cholesterol is an essential substance produced by the body. But food is also a source of cholesterol. If its levels in the body increase then it may lead to clogged arteries which may prevent your heart from functioning properly. Eventually, various cardiovascular diseases may develop. To prevent that, you should keep a check on your cholesterol levels. Since there are no apparent symptoms of high cholesterol, taking a lipid profile test on regular intervals is all the more necessary.
Kidney function test
As you grow older, your kidney’s functions naturally deteriorate. Besides, having conditions like hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol only adds to the trouble. Since, men aged 60 years or older are typically at an increased risk of these conditions, monitoring kidney function is essential. Moreover, urine tests can also help you check how well your kidneys are functioning.
Sexually transmitted disease test (STD test)
Regardless of age, sexually transmitted diseases can affect any sexually active man. And STDs can cause serious damage to the body. Men aged 20-24 years of age are at higher risk of contracting STD infection, which includes hepatitis B, HIV, and AIDS, etc. You should go for an HIV test or STD tests if you have any suspicious symptoms like pain while urinating or pain in your lower abdomen.
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men. It is one of those conditions that does not cause any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. The symptoms are clear only when the condition has progressed. And in that stage, treatment becomes complicated. Therefore, timely diagnosis is important to increase the likelihood of successful treatment. For that, every man in 50s should get a PSA test done.
(Also read – Prostate cancer – All you should know)
Tips for a healthy life
To prevent the development of any medical condition in the first place, it is always advisable to follow a healthy lifestyle. Little efforts in day-to-day life goes a long way. Some things to take care of on a daily basis are –
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Lose excess weight
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night
- Stay hydrated
- Have a stress management system
Get regular health tests even if you feel absolutely healthy. Since most of the conditions display their symptoms late, it’s important to keep a close watch on your body’s functioning. And in case you start to notice any symptoms, then without any delay, consult with a doctor.
