3 minute read

Looking after your health is an essential investment for the future, and it should be a lifelong task. Certainly, being careful about your diet, movement, stress, sleep, and environment can help keep at bay certain conditions associated with lifestyle risk factors. However, there are also some important health checks that you should keep up with. These can help you better understand your risk profile and catch issues before they turn into emergencies or long-term problems. While the check-ups to keep up with will depend on your age, lifestyle, and hereditary factors, there are some that no one should miss out on. Let’s start from those below.

Prostate Exam

Prostate issues, such as an enlarged prostate (BPH), become more common with age, impacting around half of men over 50 and the vast majority of those over 80. However, only under 40% of men regularly undergo prostate exams, and this percentage is declining. While there may still be some stigma about this test, it is important to look at the full picture. Keeping up with regular checks can prevent more problematic issues that can impact all aspects of life over time. If you are unsure how to start, consider contacting your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment and understand what to expect. 

Testosterone Level Test

Testosterone levels can impact several aspects of daily living, and lead to a wide range of symptoms that can affect you in more ways than one. Some common symptoms of this condition include: 

  • Low energy
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Trouble building muscle
  • Mood changes
  • Increased body fat

However, low testosterone levels can be easily managed through the right adjustments and treatments, such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Additionally, today, thanks to specialized providers, you can get treatments like trt online. This is great if you have concerns about privacy or wish to find an accessible treatment. 

Diabetes Blood Sugar Test

Today, diabetes affects 38.4 million Americans of all ages, a figure that accounts for 11.6% of the population. While you may not experience symptoms yet, it is important to keep your blood sugar in check and identify the early signs of prediabetes early on. This is essential to avoid complications, such as nerve damage and ulcers, which can become life-limiting or even life-threatening. 

While some types of diabetes can be treated through lifestyle changes, you may sometimes need to manage this with medications. Checking your blood sugar levels can help you better understand your needs and options. 

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Screening

Last but not least, be sure to take care of your cardiovascular health by booking check-ups such as blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. In most cases, these tests are quick and performed at a doctor’s office, or through simple blood tests. It is important to keep up with these tests to avoid life-threatening issues such as:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Blocked arteries
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease

If you are unsure what tests should be on your schedule of yearly check-ups, start by consulting your physician. An expert healthcare provider will be able to guide you in this journey towards prevention and better health.