Men’s Health Checklist

High blood pressure

Men who have a family history of high blood pressure on either their mother’s or father’s side of the family should consider having their blood pressure checked. A high reading is considered to be 140/90 or higher. This test should be performed every 2 years once a man reached middle age, or younger if he has a family history of high blood pressure. Men who consume a lot of salt in their diet also place themselves at risk of developing high blood pressure later in life. So it is best to gradually cut back on high sodium foods and to use alternative seasonings such as herbs, spices, lemon juice and vinegar.

Men’s Health Checklist: Testicular cancer

Most cases of testicular cancer are detected by men themselves while they are washing and can therefore be treated effectively if detected early on. Signs to look out for are lumps forming in the testicles, an enlarged testicle, or a heavy feeling in the scrotum. If you have some or all of these symptoms it does not mean that you have testicular cancer, but it is still worth visiting your doctor and finding out for sure what is wrong. The doctor will want to do a physical examination of your testicles, do blood tests and possibly even a biopsy. If cancer is diagnosed, the doctor will decide on the best course of action after finding out how far the cancer has spread. This may involve surgery to remove the affected testicle, radiation or chemotherapy. Removing one testicle will not make a man infertile, but radiation and chemotherapy can do so. So if you are a man who is concerned that he may have the early signs of testicular cancer, you must seek treatment as quickly as possible.

Men’s Health Checklist: Unexplained pain

Men are not known for rushing off to see their doctor at the first sign of pain or discomfort. They may brush it off as “nothing” and carry on with their daily routine. This can be very dangerous! Extreme chest pain could indicate a heart attack, lower abdominal pain could be a ruptured appendix and so on. Some men are afraid of being told that there is nothing physically wrong with them and being labeled as time wasters, but it is best to still find out for sure. A twinge or pain today may turn into a life threatening illness tomorrow.Men’s Health Checklist: Diet and exercise. Maintaining a healthy body weight through healthy eating and adequate exercise will increase a man’s chance of remaining in good health as he gets older. He will need to maintain a regular routine of self check-ups and visit his doctor if he notices any changes to his health. A gentle nudge from his wife or other family members may be all he needs to keep up to date with his health checks.

In conclusion, it is important for men to take care of their health and to maintain an awareness of any changes they notice about their bodies. Such changes may be signs of aging, or they could indicate a more serious health complaint that requires immediate medical attention.