There are diseases that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone levels. Also, there are other conditions that men are more likely to develop, such as colon cancer and heart disease.
Recommended screenings:
- Blood pressure values and body weight
- Cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- Infectious diseases (Hepatitis C, HIV, STIs)
- Development of diseases of the gums and teeth
- Eye conditions and progression of vision
- Depression
- Prostate cancer
- Colon cancer (if you are between 50 and 75 years old)
- Lung cancer (if you are between 55 and 80 years old, have a smoking history of more than 20 years or currently smoke)
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (if you are between 65 and 75 years old and have smoked)
Take care of your overall health:
- Visit the doctor at least once a year. Complete the recommended preventive screenings.
- Eat healthy foods. Add fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods to your meals.
- Stay active. Practice 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. You should not exceed two drinks per day. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 ½ ounces of liquor.
- Avoid smoking.
- Keep your vaccinations up to date.
- Influenza – once a year each season.
- Shingles – if you are 60 years or older.
- Pneumonia – if you are 65 years or older.
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis – every 10 years.
- Take your medications as recommended by your doctor.
- Monitor your mental health and seek help if necessary. To receive emotional support, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may reduce your signs and symptoms by talking about them and seeking help.
References:
https://medlineplus.gov/menshealth.html
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/doctor-visits/regular-checkups/men-take-charge-your-health
