Father’s Day 2021: Health check-up tips for men
Our bodies are the most precious thing we have. Many of us have arrived at similar conclusions in the COVID-19 era. However, did you know that men are less likely to seek out their doctors than women? This is such a shame because prevention is almost always better than cure. Preventive treatments are a lot cheaper, too. By the time you get symptoms, diseases may have advanced far beyond your control. So, take better care of your or your loved ones’ body starting this Father’s Day. In this Pacific Prime Singapore article, let’s dive right into practical health check-up tips for men.
1. Depending on your circumstances and family history, you can opt for the following tests:
- Electrocardiogram for heart diseases
- Blood tests for diabetes, thyroid disease, anemia, and liver problems
- Screenings for skin cancer, oral cancer, STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), HIV infection, and alcoholism
2. Start undergoing this set of basic health check-ups in your 20s:
- Annual physical exam, including blood pressure and height/weight checks
- Screening for testicular cancer, including monthly self-exams
- Cholesterol testing
3. In your 30s, add the following check-ups to the basic set:
- Vision examination
- Screening for coronary heart diseases if you have a family history of heart disease and/or are at high risk
4. In your 40s, add the following check-ups to your previous set:
- Screening for prostate cancer
- Diabetes screening every 3 years over the age of 45
5. In your 50s, add the following check-ups to your previous set:
- Screening for lipid disorders
- Annual electrocardiogram (now a must instead of optional)
- Annual screening for Type II diabetes
- Hearing examinations
- Screening for colon cancer with fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy
- Screening for depression
6. In your 60s, add the following check-ups to your previous set:
- Based on your screening results for colon cancer, you may have to continue with colorectal screening
- Screening for osteoporosis
- Talk with your GP (general physician) about undergoing screening for coronary heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and carotid artery
- Screening for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
7. In your 70s, add the following check-ups to your previous set:
- Continue with your colorectal screening if needed.
You may go through general colorectal screening up until the age of 75. However, discuss with your GP once you are between 76-85 years old. At 85 years of age or older, screening is not recommended. For more health check-up tips for men, check out our top 3 men’s health tips.
8. Live a healthier lifestyle
There’s no stressing over your screening results if you live a healthy lifestyle to begin with. This means staying physically and mentally fit. We know building a new habit can be difficult, but better now than never!
Exercise regularly three to four times a week for 30 to 45 minutes and eat a balanced diet full of vegetables, grains, and lean protein. Limit your sugar and processed food intake. In addition, stay hydrated and quit smoking if you can. After all, 90% of lung cancer is diagnosed in smokers. Lastly, avoid drinking alcohol in excess.
In terms of mental health, you’ll need about 7 hours of sleep per night. On top of that, be sure to manage your stress. Identify your sources of stress and find healthy coping mechanisms or outlets for them. It increases your risk of developing heart disease, depression, and more.
Safeguard yours and your family’s future
Treatment costs for chronic illnesses can be incredibly pricey. Having said that, as we grow older, our chance of developing chronic illnesses increases. That’s why you should secure international health insurance or family insurance to offset any potential costs. This way, you can always be sure in the knowledge that no health costs would tip the balance.
Get a free quote now with our online quotation tool! For personalized advice and a free plan comparison, talk to our team of insurance advisors today!
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
- Your Guide to Singapore Work Permits, S Pass, and Employment Pass (Updated 2024) - March 18, 2024
- Dermatological Care and Your Private Health Insurance in Singapore - December 1, 2023
- Thalassemia in Singapore: Everything You Need to Know - November 10, 2023
Top 100 Insurance Blogs Winner
Comments
Comments for this post are closed.