Men's health issues are on the rise due to the fact many men do not take advantage of routine health screenings. Don't be one of the 70% of individuals who have not seen a health care provider in the last 5 years (American Medical Association).
We encourage you to schedule a health screening and include the following (per the Harvard School of Public Health):
1. Cholesterol and lipoprotein profile. Cholesterol should be less than 200; LDL/bad cholesterol level should be under 100; HDL/good cholesterol greater than 60; triglyceride/fat level less than 150.
2. Blood pressure check. High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Target systolic blood pressure is under 140 and diastolic (bottom number) below 70.
3. Diabetes screening. Diabetes affects insulin production and can lead to vision problems, kidney malfunction, and poor blood circulation.
4. Bone density test. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin and easily break and is responsible for approx. 70% of bone fractures in people over the age of 45.
5. Vitamin D level. We usually receive vitamin D through diet and exposure to sunlight. As we age, our ability to absorb vitamin D decreases putting us at greater risk for fractures and osteoporosis.
6. Colonoscopy. Baseline screen for colon cancer should be done at age 50. Unless you have other risk factors, you only need this test once every 10 years.
7. Fecal occult blood test. Checks to see if there is blood in the intestinal tract which could be a sign of colon cancer, diverticulitis, polyps, irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids.
8. Skin cancer screening. This is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Most can be cured if caught early.
9. Vision screening. By age 65, you should have an eye exam every year. The risk of glaucoma and cataracts increases with age.
10.Hearing test. The incidence of hearing loss increases after age 50.
11.Thyroid test. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland are essential for many important body functions.
12.Metabolic syndrome screening. This condition comprises a group of symptoms: abdominal obesity, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, elevated prothrombin level, and elevated C-reactive protein.
13.Testicular cancer screening. Signs can be detected during a physical exam. Note any abnormal lumps in your testes, as well as any change in size or shape.
14.Prostate cancer screening. More common in men over age 50, African-American men, and men with a family history of prostate cancer.
15.Bladder cancer screening. More common among older men and those with a history of smoking, occupational exposure to carcinogens, or chronic bladder infections, or a family history of bladder cancer.
Make a promise to yourself to become more proactive when it comes to your health.
If your health care plan does not cover a test listed here, you have other options. Consider attending local health fairs and senior fairs that often provide health screenings for free or for a nominal fee.
For more information, contact Shelly at Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100 shelly@bengoodwynagency.com
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