You do not have to wait till you are on the cusp of death before you visit the hospital. As a man, taking charge of your well-being starts with a proactive step to schedule a regular health checkup for men.
By embracing preventative care through planned health checkups, you’re practicing something that will inevitably lead to long-term vitality.
It is strongly recommended that men of all ages get a comprehensive health checkup at least once a year. Life brings different demands – school, work, family – and the associated stress and lifestyle choices at each stage can impact your health.
Whether you’re 24 or 45, investing in an annual health checkup for men provides significant benefits for both your present and future self. This guide outlines what you can typically expect.
Why Regular Health Checkups for Men Matter
Getting checked regularly is a powerful preventative health measure. A routine health checkup for men enables you to:
- Identify Potential Risks: Become aware of predispositions to conditions like hypertension or heart disease based on family history and current health status.
- Early Disease Detection: Catch illnesses in their early stages when treatment is often most effective.
- Promote Lifestyle Changes: Gain insights needed to make necessary adjustments to diet, exercise, and habits for better health outcomes.
What Happens During a Men’s Physical Examination?
The cornerstone of your health checkup for men is the physical exam. Expect the following:
- Medical and Family History Review: Your doctor will ask questions about your health habits and your family’s medical history. Knowing if close relatives have certain illnesses helps assess your personal risk factors.
- Vital Signs Check: Your heart rate and blood pressure will be measured and recorded.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculation: Your height and weight are measured to calculate your BMI, helping determine if you are within a healthy weight range (underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese).
- Head-to-Toe Examination: A physical inspection of your body may be carried out to check for any abnormalities.
Key Screenings Included in a Health Checkup for Men
1. Sexual Health Screening
Regardless of age or sexual activity level, knowing your status is important. Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is important for your own health and that of your partners. Include STD and HIV screening as a vital part of your annual health checkup for men.
2. Cholesterol Testing
Your body needs cholesterol, but high levels of “bad” cholesterol increase heart disease risk by creating fatty deposits in blood vessels. These can restrict blood flow or break off, causing a heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol often has no early symptoms.
- Detection: A blood test during your health checkup is the only way to detect high cholesterol.
- Frequency: Generally, men can check cholesterol every five years, increasing frequency after age 35 (more regularly) and age 45 (every 1-2 years). However, testing frequency should be based on individual risk factors (weight, family history, lifestyle), meaning men of any age might need regular checks.
3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Monitoring
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against your artery walls. High blood pressure (hypertension) develops gradually, usually without symptoms, making regular checks essential. It significantly increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- Risk Factors: Pre-existing conditions like diabetes or obesity increase the likelihood of developing hypertension.
- Action: Have your blood pressure checked at every health checkup for men, and consider more frequent monitoring if advised.
4. Diabetes Screening
Diabetes occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high because your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it effectively. It’s a chronic condition without a cure, but early detection through a health checkup allows for lifestyle changes that can manage the illness and prevent complications.
- Detection: A blood test measures your blood glucose levels.
- Frequency: Depending on personal risk factors, diabetes screening is typically recommended every one to three years.
5. Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Nigeria. Early detection via screening significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. The prostate is a gland producing seminal fluid.
- Recommendation: It’s generally advised that men discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctor. A common recommendation is screening every two to three years, starting at an age determined by risk factors (like family history and ethnicity).
- Follow-up: Based on initial test results (like a PSA blood test), your doctor will advise on future screening frequency.
Schedule Your Men’s Health Checkup
Men of all ages should be proactive about their health. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. An annual health checkup for men is an investment in your longevity and quality of life. If you are experiencing any symptoms you’re worried about, seek medical advice promptly.
Ready to prioritize your health? HealthTracka offers convenient at-home health checkup for men packages, making it easy to get tested.
Click here to browse our general health checkup packages and book your test today to take control of your well-being.
