As we get older, we need to get checked more frequently and for different things. As men, we already know that it is hard enough to go to the doctor, let alone get regular checkups. If you want to stay healthy, you will need to get checked for various things at different ages. This article will help you to identify which checkups you need and when.
20s and 30s
In your 20s and 30s health checks are more so for the fact that you will be able to detect any preventable diseases before they become a problem. It is also important for your sexual health. Especially since you are still very young, you want to get regular checkups so that something preventable does not become something worse.
Sexual health checks
You should get regular sexual health checks, especially if you are still actively pursuing finding that special someone. This is a good way to get early detection tests done before any negative sexual health conditions arise.
Blood pressure checks
Your blood pressure is very important to your health. If you have high blood pressure when you are young, you can have some serious issues as you get older. You should get yearly blood pressure checks, whether you are doing it at home or in a doctor’s office. If your blood pressure is high, you should make an appointment with your doctor and talk about what you can do to lower it.
Testicular checks
You can do a testicular self-check. If something does not feel right, you will be able to know just by feel. If you feel like something might be wrong down there, you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Family history
If you have a family history of anything, you should schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor about it. They will be able to perform any preliminary tests that can help you to know about any diseases or conditions that may be in the early stages in your body.
40s
As we get older, and more settled in life, we still need to visit our doctor regularly. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are vital as we age. It can help with so many different aspects of your health and can keep you stronger well into old age. By getting regular checkups during this decade of your life, you will be able to prevent any conditions or disease that you may be susceptible to.
Diabetes check
Your risk for type 2 diabetes is especially high in your 40s, if you do not have a healthy lifestyle. The risk factors rise from the general extra amount of stress that comes from careers and families that make you more at risk for leading an unhealthy lifestyle. Your doctor will be able to detect any sign of type 2 diabetes from a regular checkup.
Blood pressure check
You should be getting a blood pressure check yearly. You can find blood pressure machines in many pharmacies and you can do this at home. If you have a blood pressure count that is higher than normal, you need to make an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Blood cholesterol check
You should get your blood cholesterol checked about every 5 years. If you are low risk for heart disease, this is a perfect amount of time between tests. If you are at a high risk for heart disease, meaning that you have a family history, you should be getting a checkup yearly.
Physical
You should get a yearly physical so that you can stay on top of your health. Your doctor should be checking your body mass index (BMI) at every checkup. This will help them to determine if you are at risk for any conditions or diseases from your weight to height ratio.
Eye exams
You should get a yearly eye exam. If you are at risk for any eye conditions, like glaucoma, you should go to your eye doctor more often. Your eye doctor will be able to determine how many times a year that you should be visiting their office.
50s
Your 50s are a high risk area of your life. Since our younger years can take quite a toll, our 50s make us more susceptible to wear and tear. Your prostate health reaches it most importance during your 50s.
Bowel cancer
Your chances for bowel cancer are higher in your 50s than in earlier years. You should get tested about every two years. You do not necessarily need to get a colonoscopy, but you will need a fecal occult blood test. This is an easy way to test for bowel cancer.
Bone density scans
As we age, we began to lose bone density. Even if you have been very healthy your whole life, the loss of bone density is a part of life. By getting tested you will be able to prevent or treat conditions like osteoporosis.
Prostate checks
Once you are 50 and older, you have more of a chance of developing prostate problems. There are many methods to be able to check for prostate problems, and by having regular checkups with your doctor, you will be able to prevent or treat these conditions.
60s
When you reach your 60s, you will have to get regular checkups. If you are not getting regular checkups, you are putting yourself at risk for many conditions and diseases. Diseases can build up over the years, so by the time you are in your sixties, the symptoms will start to show or even develop into something life threatening. Make sure that you are having regular checkups throughout your life, so that your sixties and on, can be the best years of your life.