Brethren, check your health!

31 August 22

Good health is a major item of concern in today’s modern world but how often do you give your body a quick check? 

Early detection of disease may prevent more serious problems from occurring and it is recommended that you talk to your doctor to find out what is needed to keep healthy. Do not wait until symptoms appear. 

If you don’t see a doctor on a regular basis here are some simple guidelines to consider. 

Men under 40 

The following possible problems should be considered – relationship difficulties, drug and alcohol issues, overweight, skin cancers, mental health and injuries. 

Recommendations – A physical exam by your doctor every two years, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol test, blood glucose check for diabetes, skin exam for cancers (men generally spend more time outdoors), dental exam every year and an immunisation review every ten years or less. 

Men 40–49 

Consider – Respiratory illness and lung cancer, diabetes, drug and alcohol issues, overweight, melanoma and mental illness. 

Recommendations – A physical exam every year including blood pressure checks, height and weight, blood glucose test for diabetes (if you have high blood pressure and high cholesterol), skin and dental exam every year, body examination for lumps. 

Men 50–65 

Consider – Heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke, diabetes, overweight, drug and alcohol issues, respiratory illness and lung cancer, bowel, prostate and skin cancers, mental health and wellbeing. 

Recommendations – A physical exam by your GP every year including blood pressure checks, height and weight, regular cholesterol test for cardiovascular disease, ECG heart trace every 3–5 years as recommended by your doctor, screening for bowel cancer every two years including colonoscopy, prostate checks annually, skin exam, bone density tests, eye vision and dental tests. 

Men 65 years and over 

Consider – Heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke, overweight, diabetes, drug and alcohol issues, lung cancer, respiratory illness, bowel, prostate and skin cancers, erectile difficulties, mental health and wellbeing. 

Recommendations – A physical exam by your GP every year including checks on blood pressure, height and weight, cholesterol test for cardiovascular disease, ECG heart trace as recommended by your doctor, test for diabetes, annual prostate checks for prostate cancer, screening for bowel cancer every two years, annual screening for skin cancer, bone density test, annual eye and dental checks, hearing screen every two years, pneumonia vaccination at 65 and then as recommended by your doctor. 

These health checks are only meant as a guideline and the suggested procedures may depend on your work, age, and family history. However, the main recommendation is not to wait until symptoms appear but to regularly practice preventative health and enjoy a healthy life.