Men, on average, tend to have shorter lifespans than women. This is due to a combination of societal, behavioral, and biological factors. Tennessee Men’s Clinic team points out that in the fast-paced world of today, a large number of men prioritize work and family responsibilities over their own health. However, this is a wrong approach to have. To have a healthy, happy, and long life, men must focus on age-appropriate health screenings and preventive care.
Tennessee Men’s Clinic talks about the health screenings men need at varying stages of life
Many men pride themselves on their strength and resilience. However, at times, this stoicism may lead to neglecting health. According to statistics, men are less likely than women to visit a doctor regularly, which ultimately leads to late diagnoses of preventable conditions. The lack of preventive care often results in serious health concerns that could have been mitigated with early detection. Men must understand that regular health screenings and checkups are not a sign of weakness. Rather, it is a proactive step towards ensuring good health.
Preventive care involves diverse measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries instead of curing them or treating their symptoms. This includes regular health screenings, lifestyle counselling and immunizations. Preventive care helps identify health issues early, so that they can be effectively treated and managed before becoming a significant medical concern. Age-appropriate health screenings are one of the most crucial components of preventive care.
- Early Adulthood (18-39): Men of this age group should start establishing healthy habits and go for an annual health checkup. Blood-pressure monitoring and cholesterol checks should be done routinely. For men who are sexually active, going for STD tests would also be a good idea. Men with a history of sunburns or tanning must additionally go for skin cancer screenings.
- Middle Age (40-59): More targeted screening would be necessary as men enter their 40s. Screenings for colon cancer would especially be vital. Colonoscopy helps find and remove precancerous growths called polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous. Depending on personal risk factors, prostate cancer screenings via PSA tests should also be considered. Men who are 50+ especially benefit from this screening, as cancer has a higher chance of occurring at that stage.
- Older Adults (60-plus): As men get older, health screenings become all the more crucial. Cardiovascular health is especially a prime concern for older men. Regular cholesterol and blood pressure checks, along with EKGs, are key to monitoring heart health. Cancer screenings should also be continued. Going for bone-density tests is also a good idea, as they help assess the risk of falls and fractures caused by osteoporosis. Cognitive health evaluations are also important for older adults, as they help identify early signs of dementia.
Tennessee Men’s Clinic team mentions that while age does determine what health screenings one should go for, individual and family history, and lifestyle also come into play. In addition to going for health screenings, adopting healthy lifestyle habits is also vital for preventive care. To achieve and maintain optimal health, men must eat a nutritious diet, workout regularly, get adequate sleep, and follow effective practices for managing stress.