Tips for Senior Men for staying Healthy

Life can be short. That’s why there’s no good reason to decrease life expectancy by forgoing any required screenings that can help you to maintain optimal men’s health as you reach your golden years. Use these simple tips and screening checklist provided to you in this article to help keep your body running like a finely tuned machine as you enjoy your active lifestyle.

Be Proactive about Men’s Health Screenings

Staying progressive and proactive about the men’s health screenings means it’s critical in increasing your longevity. Health screenings are simple tests that check for signs of diseases and illnesses, allowing for preventive treatment when caught early on. Most screenings can be administered by your general practitioner, however some more advanced screenings such as a colonoscopy (a test that’s conducted to find signs of colorectal cancer) will require that you make an appointment with a specialist.

Common Types of Screenings for Optimal Men’s Health

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: If you have ever been a smoker, even if you have long since quit, talk to your doctor about an AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm) screening. This screening checks for any signs of bulging in your abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the body. If this artery bursts, it can be fatal. The most common screening procedure involves using an ultrasound wand to check for signs of bulging.

• Colorectal Cancer: A colonoscopy is a semi-invasive test that’s conducted by a specialist to check for signs of colorectal cancer. It’s generally combined with a stool blood sample for the most effective results.

• Depression: Don’t ignore depression. Talk to your doctor if you have been experiencing any associated symptoms such as: prolonged sadness, decreased interest, random mood swings, and other signs of fluctuating mental health lasting more than two weeks.

• Diabetes (High Blood Sugar): A simple blood test can provide insight as to whether or not you are showing any signs of diabetes or high blood pressure. Complications from this disease can affect your entire body.

• High Blood Pressure: It’s advised that you have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years to ensure that levels are healthy and normal. Abnormal levels can contribute to heart disease, strokes, heart attacks, kidney problems and others.

• High Cholesterol: A blood test will reveal what your cholesterol levels are at. High levels can contribute to heart disease, stroke, and even decreased vascular efficiency. Levels that are too low can also be unhealthy.

• HIV Screening: It’s advised that any person who has ever had unprotected sex with another person be tested at least once per year for signs of HIV. Additionally, those who received blood transfusions from 1978-1985 are also at risk and should be screened.

• Syphilis: Is a sexually transmitted disease that can be treated when caught early enough, but most people don’t even know they are infected with. A simple screening can provide answers. If untreated it can cause a wide array of irreversible physical ailments, including death.

• Obesity: Have your body mass index (BMI) checked for obesity. By leading an active and healthy lifestyle, you can avoid obesity; which contributes to diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes amongst others.

• Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about screenings for other ailments such as skin cancer, prostate cancer, or even glaucoma. It’s all about early prevention for the best results.

Simple Tips on Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

There are some other simple tips that you can incorporate into your lifestyle that can go a long way in you maintaining your good health and in preserving your longevity.

• Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
• Moderate alcohol intake.
• Stop smoking or using tobacco products.
• See your doctor at least once per year for a physical.
• Don’t put off getting important men’s health screenings.
• Be proactive with medical immunizations.
• Maintain an active lifestyle and exercise for 30-60 minutes daily.

By following the simple tips offered in this article, you can help maintain your good health now and well into the future. Remember, simple screenings for men’s health save lives. The combination of a consistently healthy lifestyle and preventative screenings could be what saves your life some day.

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