Why Are Regular Health Checkups Essential in Men?

Did you know that 1 in 3 men over 40 have undiagnosed health diseases? Are you one of them? In today's fast-paced life, men often take their health for granted.  Unhealthy eating, sedentary lifestyle, stress and lack of sleep all affect your health in the long run. If you feel tired all the time, having joint pain, losing or gaining weight, and frequent headaches are some factors that might indicate you need a health checkup. But, ignoring these symptoms may cause serious long-term health issues.  Here's the role of regular health checkups in men's lives. Taking regular health checkups can reduce the risk of inevitable health risks and lead to a healthy lifestyle.  Consult with your doctor and discuss your health conditions; your doctor can recommend the essential tests based on your health. Read more to know why regular health checkups are important and what are some essential health tests for men. 

Benefits of Regular Health Checkups for Men 

Regular health checkups promote a healthy lifestyle and assess your health risk for future medical problems. There are lots of benefits of taking regular health checkups, including-

• Early screening and treatment options for health issues
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle
• Reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases
• Timely diagnosis of diseases reduces treatment costs.
• Improves chances of treatment
• Provide the opportunity for preventive care measures.

Symptoms that indicate you need a health checkup

Every man is different, and so is the health risk. The health diseases depend on the lifestyle and other factors. Here are some common symptoms; if you are noticing, then it is high time to get regular checkups:

• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Unexplained Weight loss/gain
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Digestive issues
• Stress and anxiety
• Blood in urine

Essential Health Checkups For Men

Regular health checkups keep you healthy and provide the early warning signs of disease. Talk to your doctor about your health condition to manage your health risks. 

Heart health  

75% of premature deaths are reported from heart disease in men. As per the study by American Heart Associates, all adults above 35 must check their cholesterol levels regularly. Check your cholesterol level if you smoke, have diabetes, family history or other heart-related disease. You can take a Lipid profile test to know your cholesterol levels. Generally, the total cholesterol level between 125-200 mg/dL is considered normal. 

Blood glucose Level

Men are at higher risk of developing diabetes than women. The risk of diabetes increases with age. If you are 40+, you must take a diabetes profile test regularly. Some people are at high risk of diabetes, including having a family history, being overweight, have blood pressure issues. Consult with your doctor and take the Hba1Ac test regularly.

Bone density Test  

People can't recognize if their bone density is decreasing. However, it is a fact that bone density decreases with age. But, certain factors contribute to lower bone density, including alcohol, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Some health conditions like low vitamin D levels, hormone problems, diabetes and the effect of medications can weaken your bones. If you are 40+, consult your doctor and take a bone density test with Redcliffe Labs. If the decline in bone density is treated in the early stages, it can be prevented or slowed down and reduce the effect of symptoms. 

Prostate health

With age, prostate health issues start in men. People who face symptoms like blood in urine, burning sensation, frequent urination, and painful ejaculations must consult with their healthcare provider and take the Prostate Health Index (PHI) Test to know their risk. Prostate cancer screening is advised for men aged over 50. Take the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Free Test to diagnose prostate cancer in its early stages and get treatment on time. 

Liver function test (LFT)

Men drink 3 times more alcohol than women. People who smoke or drink are at higher risk of liver diseases. This is why the LFT test is recommended for men. Furthermore, the Liver functioning declines with age. Consult with your healthcare provider and take regular LFT tests to know your liver health to avoid the risk of chronic diseases like cirrhosis and hepatitis. 

Kidney function test (KFT)

 The kidney plays a vital role in eliminating body waste and maintaining the water and electrolyte balance. If you are experiencing symptoms like pain during urination, swelling in hands and feet, and frequent urge to urinate, it might be due to kidney diseases. Consult your symptoms with your healthcare provider. Based on your symptoms, your doctor might recommend a KFT test. A urine sample and blood sample are required to assess the kidney function. 

Cancer Screening

Early cancer screening is important for the prevention of cancer. Take regular health checkups as preventive care, helping identify and manage potential risks before cancer develops. Prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and testicular cancer are common among men. Take Cancer Screening Package Advance to identify early risk and to maintain optimal health. 

Men who are at risk of diseases are-

• Smokers and drinkers
• Men with disabilities
• Have family history
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Stressful lifestyle
• Unhealthy eating habits
• Have pre-existing health issues

Other Essential Health Packages for Men 

Here are some health packages for men available at Redcliffe Labs. You can book your test online, and the phlebotomist will come to your place to collect the sample.   

• Advance Plus Full Body Checkup
• Smart Plus Full Body Checkup With Vitamin Screening 
• Super Advance Full Body Checkup Male 
• Master Full Body Checkup Package - Male
• Smart Full Body Check up with Vitamin D 
• Advance Full Body Checkup with STD Panel Comprehensive

How often should men take the Health Checkups?

It is not necessary that, if you feel fine and don't have any health problems, you still need regular health checkups. These checkups can prevent you from regular health checkups. For example, the only way to identify if you have a high or low blood pressure problem is if you check regularly. Similarly, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart-related diseases can be managed if diagnosed early. This is why routine health checkups are advised to know your health status. Men must take a routine health checkup every 2-3 months to understand their health conditions. 

Prioritizing your health is crucial if you are aged above 40. It helps to manage health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or even signs of cancer before they become serious threats. Remember, your health is your most valuable asset, and regular checkups are a small investment that pays off big in the long run. So, don't skip these essential, regular health checkups—your future self will thank you!