Real men think of health
Staying in good shape to enjoy life later on starts in your youth
MEN face a variety of health risks during the different phases of their lives. A man in his 20s may think he is light years away from the ailments or problems faced by a man in his 70s but he will do well to take care of his health in his youth so that his body can take care of him in his old age.
“How a man treats his body and his health in his 20s impacts on his body and his health in his 70s,” says Fedhealth principal officer Peter Jordan.
According to the scheme’s chronic disease list (CDL) statistics, men account for 51.5% of the CDL authorisations. Jordan says age has a direct influence on the chronic burden and points to this list of most common diagnoses to highlight how lifestyle diseases come into play as men age: ý High blood pressure – over 55 ý High cholesterol – over 55 ý Clotting disorders – over 55 ý Non-insulin-dependent diabetes – over 55 ý High blood pressure – over 55 ý High cholesterol – 41-55 years ý Ischaemic heart disease – over 55 ý Clotting disorders – 41-55 years ý Non-insulin-dependent diabetes – 41-55 years
“When it comes to taking responsibility for your health the time is definitely now,” Jordan says. He suggests the following routine check-ups: 18 to 39 years ý Every year: dental exam ý Every two to three years: blood pressure, height and weight measurements and a brief physical ý Every five years: cholesterol check. 40 to 65 years ý Every year: physical exam for cancer (skin, thyroid, lymph nodes, prostate and rectum), dental exam ý Every one to two years: height/weight measurements; blood pressure check; stool sample check for blood; vision and glaucoma check ý Every three to five years: cholesterol check; blood sugar check; sigmoidoscopy after 50 for colon cancer. Over 65 ý Every year: Height/weight measurements; blood pressure check; physical exam for cancers (skin, thyroid, lymph nodes, prostate and rectum); stool sample check for blood; dental exam ý Every one to three years: Thyroid hormone check; blood count; cholesterol check; blood sugar check; hearing check; vision and glaucoma check; lab tests or urine sample ý Every three to five years: Sigmoidoscopy for colon cancer.