The Health Checks Every Man Needs Throughout His Life
So what are you waiting for?
It’s inevitable – our once baby-bottom soft skin is starting to droop, and we’re starting to find grey hairs in our hair brush. Ah yes, it’s called the circle of life.
There is nothing wrong with being dirty thirty, sporty forty, or even nifty fifty. Our bodies are going through changes in every decade, whether we like it or not, so looking after ourselves needs to be our highest priority.
As we get older, the risks to our health and wellbeing change, and therefore, so do our required health checks. Not just for women, but for men too.
This one is for the MODERE men out there. Your family needs you, so take care of yourself.
In your 20’s and 30’s
Health checks in your 20’s and 30’s will focus mainly on early detection of preventable diseases, as well as sexual health.
A blood pressure check every two years, if your blood pressure is normal
A testicular self-check is especially important in your 20s and 30s as testicular cancer is the second most common type of cancer in young men aged 18-39
You’re probably spending weekends or even working in the Australian summer sun – so getting regular skin checks is a must. This can be done by your GP or a specialist, and any irregular or new moles or spots should be a priority
Regular sexual health checks if you are having regular sexual intercourse
Check in on your mental health and speak to a professional if you are feeling depressed or anxious. Speak to your friends, ask for help, don’t be embarrassed. While you’re at it, make sure your friends and family are doing the same.
In your 40’s
Ah, the metabolism isn’t as fast as it used to be. You start noticing the beers and pies have had an impact around your waistline and the importance of a proper diet is more important than ever. The risks of a diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiac complications increase and it’s in this decade that regular check ups with specialists become even more important. As this list is building, it’s still important to continue to stay on top of the checks you had in your 20’s and 30’s as well.
Use a Type 2 diabetes risk analysis tool called AUSDRISK – this is usually prompted by your GP however you can access an online version using the Diabetes Australia website
A yearly blood pressure check is required if your BP is normal and you don’t have a strong family history
A blood cholesterol check is required every five years if you are at low risk for heart disease, or every year from the age of 40 if you are at high risk (or age 35 if you are ATSI)
Your doctor should check your waist circumference and BMI (body mass index) annually if normal
Make sure you get an eye check for glaucoma
According to lifeinmind.org.au, the age 45-49 is statistically the second highest age group of male suicides in Australia. Continue to stay emotionally aware, and talk to a professional if you feel that it is needed.
In your 50’s
The kids are starting to fly from the nest and you’ve finally got time for yourself again. Regular exercise like hiking, yoga, pilates, cycling and rock climbing are up there with the most common exercises in this age group. This decade is the beginning of the best years of your life, however it’s also the start of a high-risk era. Whilst new risk factors have eventuated, make sure to maintain the regular check ups you also had in your 40’s.
To stay ahead of bowel cancer development, head in for a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) every two years (you will receive a letter in the mail from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to assess your risk of bowel cancer)
Ensure that you are getting a bone density scan to determine your risk of developing osteoporosis and other bone conditions
Prostate issues are common in men aged over 50, however there are varying methods used to screen for prostate issues, including physical examinations and blood tests. Your GP can talk through the options and help you land on an option that works for you
In your 60’s and onwards
The grandkids use you for the biscuits in your cupboard, there are plans in motion to retire and buy a Winnebago, you have a veggie patch in your garden, and life is sweet.
As well as the checks compounded throughout the earlier decades – by the time we hit our 60s we need to make regular checks a consistent part of our schedule.
To stay ahead of bowel cancer development, head in for a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) every two years (you will receive a letter in the mail from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to assess your risk of bowel cancer)
Hearing tests
More regular eye tests
Listen to your body and catch problems early by visiting your GP at least once every six months for a routine check-up
More than ever it’s important to stay on top of your mental health. 85+ is the most common age group of male suicides in Australia, look after yourself and let people know if you are not okay.
Men’s Health: https://www.menshealth.com.au/health-checks-every-man-needs
Health Gov: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/the-australian-type-2-diabetes-risk-assessment-tool-ausdrisk
SA GOV: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/healthy+living/recommended+health+checks/recommended+health+checks
Life In Mind: https://lifeinmind.org.au/about-suicide/suicide-data/suicide-facts-and-stats
DVA: https://www.dva.gov.au/sites/default/files/dvaforms/d1302.pdf