Nearly 50% of men ages 18 to 50 do not see their doctor on a regular basis, stating that they are young and feel fine or that they are afraid of what may be found. The very point of seeing your doctor on a regular basis is to make sure that you are healthy and to diagnose any health related issues early. Many health conditions can be treated and even cured when found early, even before symptoms develop.
Your doctor will talk to you about your medical history, your family’s history of disease and your lifestyle. Your diet, weight, how much you exercise and whether or not you smoke. This information will help determine if you are at risk for disease or illness.
Below is a list of common tests your doctor may complete during a check up:
Blood pressure test: Get tested at least every 2 years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80). Get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89. Discuss treatment with your doctor if you have blood pressure 140/90 or higher.
Cholesterol test: Starting at age 20 until age 35, get a cholesterol test if you are at increased risk for heart disease. Starting at age 35 and older, get a cholesterol test regularly.
Diabetes screening: Get screened for diabetes if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medicine for high blood pressure.
Hearing screening: Every 10 years until you’re 40s and then every 2-4 years as your doctor recommends.
Eye health: A comprehensive “baseline” exam for vision should be done at age 40, then again every 2-4 years or as your doctor recommends.
Colorectal cancer screening: Starting at age 50, get screened for colorectal cancer through to age 75.
These simple tests may not seem all that important, especially to those who claim they are young and healthy, but they can help detect early signs of cancer and heart disease. Going for regular check up also allows you to speak with your doctor about any changes or unusual symptoms you may be experiencing allowing for early detection and treatment of illness and disease.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net
