Sure, you are a man and that make you big, strong and impervious to the elements. You know how to ignore pain and put on a brave face despite how you feel. Showing weakness is practically a sin in the “man book” and going to the doctor is the biggest sign of weakness at all. Besides, you are man, and real men do not get diseases, right?
Wrong
Despite what men might like to believe about their own haleness, the statistics that are now out there are steadily proving them to be very wrong about this subject. In fact, since men are more likely to get their oil changed than get a check up, the stats are showing that women are the hale ones, living longer and healthier lives than their male counter parts. Many researchers believe that the underlying reason for this is that women are most likely to see a doctor on a regular basis while men avoid the people in the white lab coats at all costs until their loved ones make them go or when the pain becomes too unbearable. By then, it usually is too late.
Just like how you take your car in for a tune up to prevent even costlier problems, getting to a doctor in a timely manner for screening and immunizations is the first step to living a longer and healthier life.
Here is a list of the most important types a screening and immunizations a man should get get done.
1. Routine Physical
Getting a routine physical once a year is essential to maintaining good health. During these exams you will most likely get your blood pressure tested (every 2 years), your Cholesterol tested (every 5 years) and a testicular exam (once a year). It also gives your doctor a good chance to have a look at you and to find any other problems that might come up on the horizon.
2. Dental Exam
Going to a dentist at the minimum of once a year is very important. Dental problems such as abscessed teeth can lead to more serious health problems and other health issues can become present first in your mouth.
3. Digital Rectal Exam
Done at the recommendation of a doctor, this screening for hemorrhoids and anal fissures can help detect colon and rectal cancer in its early stages,
4. Prostate Specific Antigen Test
This is a test that detects for early signs of prostate cancer. Most doctors recommend once a year screening for men over the age of 50.
5. Fecal Occult Blood Test
This simple and nonsurgical test can help detect any blood hidden in the stool which can be an indication of colorectal cancer plus other health problems. It is a test that should be done on a yearly basis.
These are simple guideline. A doctor might schedule each test differently in order to best meet your health care needs.
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