Check-ups to improve men’s health

Men are notorious for neglecting their physical and mental health, but they need to know that it’s okay to seek help for anything. It’s also better to have a check-up that reveals nothing serious, than to miss the opportunity of preventing a serious health problem.

Each hour a certain percent of men die from potentially preventable health condition. Biological factors do play some part, but most threats to men’s health are illnesses linked to lifestyle choices and behavior. As the reality is, men who eat nutritious food, exercise, undertake regular activity, keep track of their health and get prompt treatment for health problems have a better chance of a healthy and long life.

From age 20:

Starting in your 20s and in your 30s, men should have an annual check-up which includes (and carries on through all decades):

Mental health care - talk to your regular doctor about concerns with anxiety and/or depression

Weight and waist measurement - blood pressure check

Blood cholesterol and glucose screening

Sexually transmitted disease discussion & tests

Testicular cancer screening - also check testicles yourself monthly for lumps and bumps

Skin cancer screening

Flu shot - seasonal

Dental check-up

From age 40:

Men with a history of prostate cancer should discuss prostate health with their doctor

Blood test for liver and kidney function

Eye check

Heart check to determine future risk

From age 50:

Bowel cancer screening

Prostate cancer screening

Hearing test

From age 60-70:

Pneumonia shot

Bone density check

Eye check - especially for glaucoma and cataracts

From age 80:

Assessment for risk of falls (balance, feet, footwear)

Immunisations if recommended by the doctor

Waterworks or bowel issues

Women’s part of helping the men in her life:

Improving men’s health outcomes is a two-way process involving men, women, and families, and health services combined. Ladies should be proactive about helping the men and boys in your life get the help they need. Discuss with them the importance of having regular check-ups and be persistent. Remind them they can talk to anyone they feel comfortable with: their wife/partner, friends, workmates, doctor. You can also phone hotlines for help and speak with professionals to determine the best course of action.

Men need to know that they need to get medical help if they feel unwell or notice unusual symptoms or have a problem that won’t resolve. Remind men, it’s okay to seek help. No-one should bury their problems or try to do everything on their own. They may need to work hard to get the help needed to manage their life, work, family, and financial needs. It’s also good for parents to encourage their sons to express their feelings.