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The Importance Of Regular Health Screenings For Men

Regular physical health checks are essential. Not only do they ensure you stay healthy, but they can help you detect health-related risks and raise concerns with your doctor. It’s crucial to know that you can pick up warning signs for illnesses and diseases early on and find effective ways to prevent them from affecting your health.

It’s always a great idea to schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider. You shouldn’t wait until it’s too late to get a health screening. Read on to find out more about the importance of regular health screenings for men.

Why Do Men Need Regular Health Screenings?

In general, men are hesitant to seek medical screenings even when there is a cause for concern. It’s crucial to break the stigma on men’s health and the need to go for regular health checks . Early detection of any medical issue ensures proper preventative measures and improves the effectiveness of treatment.

According to research, men between the ages of 18 and 39 should consider going for regular health screenings even when they’re healthy and in their prime. The main purpose of health examinations is to assess if there’s any underlying medical concerns that don’t show symptoms. Additionally, men are at a greater risk of prostate cancer and heart disease as they get older.

The Types of Health Screenings Men Should Get

Blood Pressure Screening

Your blood pressure can fluctuate throughout your life. However, it can be a serious medical concern when it reaches a specific level that is either too high or low. High blood pressure can narrow your blood vessels resulting in reduced blood flow.

Lack of proper blood flow throughout the body can lead to a drop in the volume of blood, decreased oxygen levels, and it affects nutrient delivery. Other medical issues that are related to high blood pressure include kidney disease, heart disease, and vision loss if left untreated.

Cholesterol

There are various lifestyle choices such as your diet, physical activity, and weight gain that can lead to increased cholesterol levels. Even though cholesterol is an essential substance that is necessary for your body to ensure effective digestion of fat, too much of it can cause severe health problems like heart disease.

Colorectal/Colon Cancer

Regular colon cancer screenings are recommended because it can be difficult to catch symptoms of colon cancer. The complex nature of your digestive system makes it harder to determine whether you’re showing signs of an infection or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As a result, doctors suggest that a screening may be necessary if you show any of these symptoms:

  • Changes in bowel habits that lead to bloating, cramps, constipation or diarrhea.
  • Frequent need to empty your bowels.
  • Passing blood in your stool.
  • Sudden and unexplainable weight loss.
  • Vomiting yellow bile.

Prostate Cancer

Did you know that prostate cancer is highly treatable in its early stages? Even though it’s a common type of cancer found in men, effective treatment can ensure that it doesn’t worsen. Routine health screenings enable early detection of prostate gland concerns.

It’s possible to not show symptoms in the early stages until the cancer progresses in older males. A blood test can be done to detect high levels of a prostate-specific antigen to diagnose prostate cancer, or a condition caused by infection. You should consult with your doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • Weakened urine flow and a frequent need to urinate, especially at night.
  • Blood in semen or urine.
  • Painful ejaculation or urination.
  • Difficulty maintaining urine once you start urinating.
  • Erectile dysfunction.
  • Loss of bowel control.

Diabetes

Research suggests that there are more men than women with undiagnosed diabetes. There’s a greater risk for kidney disease, a heart attack, vision loss and amputation of limbs in worse-case scenarios when diabetes isn’t treated correctly. While diabetes is common in men and women, it affects men differently in specific areas.

For instance, men with type-2 Diabetes are more vulnerable to erectile dysfunction and nerve damage that can lead to an overactive bladder, infections and semen that gets released into the bladder. It’s crucial to get screening for diabetes to prevent health risks and receive proper treatment and management of your symptoms.

Health screenings are essential to diagnose various medical conditions. The longer you wait to have your symptoms checked, the quicker an illness or disease can progress. Ensure you get Affinity Health cover to manage and treat health concerns before they worsen.

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