The X-Ray Vision-aries Blog

X-Ray Vision-aries is a healthy and green living blog designed for non-health nuts. We hope that by looking at health and the environment in a non-technical and light-hearted manner that makes learning about and improving one's health, environment and life accessible to everyone, we can all learn a thing or two. Enjoy!

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    • Important Health Screenings for Men

    As you age, certain screening tests become necessary to ensure that you do not suffer from certain diseases and conditions. You can stay healthy and prevent disease by staying on top of screening tests and addressing any health issues that you may have as they come up. At your next checkup, discuss whether you need to take these screening tests or not.

    Check your BMI. Your body mass index can calculate whether or not you’re obese. Obesity is a serious condition that can place strain on your organs and entire body system, putting you at risk for problems like heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and more. You can even calculate your BMI at home by weighing yourself and measuring your height, then comparing your results to a BMI chart.

    High blood pressure is a serious problem, and your doctor or even dentist probably checks it at each visit. Even if you don’t see your doctor that often, you should make sure that you have your blood pressure checked every two years. If you don’t see your doctor every two years, at least stop by a drugstore to try their blood pressure machine. If your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or even approaching this number, you should see a medical professional.

    If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes, you should have your blood sugar checked to ensure that you don’t have diabetes.

    Your cholesterol should be checked on a regular basis starting at age 35. Men should start cholesterol screenings even before 35 if they have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease in your family. If you smoke, you should also consider early cholesterol screenings.

    Colorectal cancer screenings are often dreaded by men, but they are important, especially after age 50. This condition is deadly and often not detected without a screening. If you have colorectal cancer in your family, you may need to be screened even earlier than age 50.

    These are just some of the most important health screenings for men. Talk to your doctor about your personal and family medical history to determine the essential health screenings you need.