Health Tests and Screenings Every Man Should Get
Taking the right screening test on time is very important task men can take up for their health. This helps us identify diseases before we have symptoms and treatment becomes easier. i.e. If detected early, colon cancer could be nipped in the bud. Identifying diabetes early can help us prevent the complications like loss of vision and impotence.
Every man should get below tests and screenings done:
- Cholesterol check
We recommend that every adult aged 35 years and above shall get their cholesterol checked in every 5th year. In case, one has below risk factors at an early age , the screening should start when theyare aged 20 years:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- The BMI above 30
- A family history of stroke
- 1st degree relatives who experienced heart attacks
Doctor draws a small sample of blood from the patient’s arm and it’s results indicate the levels of Good cholesterol (HDL), Bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.
We consider a healthy total cholesterol goal to be lower than 200 mg/dL.
- Measuring Lipid
High triglycerides are linked to metabolic syndrome that raises our risk of diabetes, heart diseases & stroke. The same blood drawn to measure cholesterol would provide a reading of triglycerides, which is a type of fat. A triglyceride level lower than 100mg/dL , is optimal.
- Blood pressure
Keeping a check over blood pressure can ward off heart diseases, stroke and kidney diseases. Normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80 m Hg. If our blood pressure is higher, we shall get it checked more frequently.
- Diabetes
A blood pressure above 135/80mm Hg could be symptoms of diabetes. Testing diabetes can include hemoglobin A1C blood test, FPGor fasting plasma glucose test, OGTT or oral glucose tolerance test. Single test would be inadequate for diagnosing diabetes.
- Colorectal cancer
Colon cancer is a major cause of death from cancer in many countries. Every man above 50 years of age shall get their screening done for colorectal cancer. One shoul get it checked earlier if it runs in their family.
- Prostate cancer
Speak to a doctor regarding risks of prostate cancer and if DRE or digital rectal exam shall be a part of physical examination.
