Men need to take care of their health, and they need to get regular health tests and screenings to ensure they are in good condition and are healthy. Some of the screenings and tests include blood pressure checks, eye examinations, skin checks and immunizations. You may also be screened for certain cancers, such as prostate cancer.
Eyesight deteriorates with age
It’s no secret that people’s eyesight tends to deteriorate as they get older. But did you know that there are eye care measures you can take to ensure a healthy, fulfilling senior years?
First and foremost, you need to get regular checkups with an eye doctor. These tests can reveal any vision related maladies lurking in the shadows. They may also reveal subtle changes in your visual acuity. For example, if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, you’ll need to be aware of glare and other eye annoyances.
Likewise, you’ll need to start exercising your eye muscles. This will not only protect your eyeballs from a lifetime of strain, but will also improve your general eye health.
Diabetic screenings
Getting regular screenings is an important way to maintain your health. These checks can pick up early warning signs of conditions, like diabetes, which can be prevented with a program of lifestyle changes.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults between the ages of 40 and 70 have a blood glucose test every three years. Individuals with a family history of diabetes should have more frequent screenings.
In addition, men aged 65 to 75 who have never smoked should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. Men should also get an ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
There are also tests to screen for high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. People who have high cholesterol or a high triglyceride level have a higher risk of developing heart disease and other serious medical issues.
PSA tests may detect prostate cancer
The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood test used to detect prostate cancer in the early stages. However, it is not a universal test. PSA levels can be higher in men with prostate cancer.
It is recommended that men start prostate cancer screening at age 45. Those who are over 60 should discuss this with their doctor. A screening test may be recommended every 2 to 4 years.
While prostate cancer screening can reduce the risk of dying from this disease, it can also lead to overtreatment and side effects. Before screening, patients should discuss the benefits and drawbacks with their doctor.
Skin checks
Skin checks are a key part of health screenings for men. They help to identify health problems early, making treatment easier and more successful. A skin check can help detect melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Melanoma is estimated to kill nearly 10,000 people in the United States each year.
In general, people at higher risk for melanoma should have skin exams more frequently. This is especially true for men. Compared to women, men are more likely to develop melanoma, particularly basal cell and squamous cell cancers. The risk of developing melanoma increases with age.
Dermatologists often perform full-body skin examinations for their patients. These exams involve a thorough evaluation of the skin, including the eyes, mouth, and nails.
Immunizations
Getting immunizations is an important part of maintaining health. They can save lives. There are many vaccines that are available, including tetanus, pertussis, and hepatitis. Some of them can be given by mouth or inhaled. You should speak with your doctor or health care provider about which vaccines are right for you.
Adults need immunizations to protect themselves from serious diseases. These diseases are not only dangerous, but they can also cause missed work or medical bills. Many of these diseases are caused by bacteria or viruses. If you have a family history of any of these diseases, you should talk with your health care provider about getting vaccinated.