Men’s health: Taking care of your health is essential to improve and improve your life. Simple and proper steps can help you be proactive and prevent any condition that requires timely intervention and diagnosis.
In an interview with Zee English, Dr. Farah Ingale, Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, shared the essential health tests that every man needs based on his age.
Dr. Farah says, “Part of early intervention and preventative care efforts is making sure you invest in checkups to catch health issues early so they cause minimal disruption to your life.”
Men in their 30s and 40s are strongly recommended to undergo regular health checkups. This will help them monitor their overall health and report any major/minor health issues that may affect them later.
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Although specific recommendations may vary based on personal and family medical history.
Health tests for men according to their age
Here are some standard checkups and screenings that are often recommended:
Health tests required by men between 30 and 40 years old
1. Blood pressure measurement: At this age, blood pressure management is vital, as high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Regular blood pressure checks will go a long way in monitoring and managing any issues related to heart attacks and hypertension
2. Cholesterol Levels: Testing cholesterol levels can help individuals assess the risk of developing heart disease. A fasting lipid profile can measure total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, which is highly recommended for every person in this age group.
3. Blood sugar test: this test can detect diabetes or pre-diabetes, which can have long-term health consequences if left unchecked
4. Body Mass Index (BMI) Measurement: Calculating BMI estimates body fat and helps determine if a person is underweight, average, overweight, or obese. This measurement can indicate the risk of developing weight-related health problems
5. Dental Checkup: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for oral health, preventing gum disease and detecting oral health issues
6. Vision and eye exams: Eye exams can help detect common vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, and screen for eye conditions such as glaucoma.
7. Skin exam: Skin exams can identify unusual moles, lesions or skin conditions. Monitoring for signs of skin cancer or other skin-related problems is essential
8. Examination of the testicles: Men should perform regular self-examinations of their testicles to check for any abnormalities, such as lumps or swelling, that may indicate testicular cancer.
9. Screening for prostate cancer: The need for screening for prostate cancer can be discussed with a health care provider. This is usually a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam
10. Immunizations: Make sure routine immunizations, such as flu, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, and pneumococcal shots, are up to date
Health Tests Men Need During Their 40s and 50s
All health checks mentioned for the 30-40 age group still apply. Besides these, there are a few screenings you should add to the list. These include:
1. Screening for colorectal cancer: This may involve colonoscopy or stool-based tests to detect abnormalities in the colon and rectum
2. Cardiac Stress Test: This test assesses heart function and can help assess risk of heart disease
3. Lung cancer screening: low-dose computed tomography (CT) may be recommended for people with a significant smoking history
Health tests men need in their 50s and 60s
The screening test schedule continues to change as you age, which means that in addition to those above, it is also essential to test those below. All health checks mentioned for the age groups 30-40 and 41-50 still apply.
1. Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm: This ultrasound detects an abnormal bulge in the large blood vessel (aorta) that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs.
2. Bone density test: this test assesses the strength of the bones and can help diagnose osteoporosis or detect the risk of fractures
Health Tests Men Need After 60+
A doctor may order other screening tests based on your general health to supplement standard age-based tests. All health checks mentioned for previous age groups still apply.
1. Annual Physical Exam: Regular comprehensive physical exams are essential to monitor general health, discuss any concerns, and update vaccinations.
2. Cognitive screening: Assessments such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MIMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) can assess cognitive function and detect early signs of dementia or cognitive decline.
3. Annual eye exam: Regular eye exams are becoming increasingly important to monitor vision changes and detect age-related eye conditions, such as cataracts or macular degeneration.
“Besides checkups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activities, and paying attention to mental well-being play an important role in well-being,” Dr. Farah recommends.
Regardless of age, incorporating these elements into daily routines can promote overall health.