Men: What Age Should You Start Your Health Checks?

Not everyone enjoys visiting their doctor regularly, but an annual exam or health screening is almost always vital to your health. You may be feeling fine today, but later on, you may find that you develop one or more health conditions. A health check with your physician will ensure that any problems are detected early and therefore have a better chance of improving.

One of the most difficult parts of receiving a health check is figuring out when to receive one. There are certain stages in life where a screening becomes necessary for your well-being. If you are unsure of where to begin, it’s best to have a conversation with your physician, but in the meantime, you can get a general idea of when to schedule an appointment, here.

Heart Health Screenings

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has several risk factors that can tell you and your physician whether the condition is imminent. The best way to understand the severity of the disease and how it will impact your health is to determine which risk factors you exhibit already.

Assessing your risk happens through screenings, which, for CAD, occurs using a variety of tests. Checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels and body weight can give your physician insight to whether you need to change your lifestyle to address CAD.

While you will undergo screenings for high blood pressure, body weight and bad cholesterol by the age of 20, testing for high blood glucose levels starts at age 45.

Vein Heath Screenings

Your veins are crucial for healthy circulation and the function of your body's organs. When your veins become damaged, you may begin to develop varicose veins or spider veins — twisting and building red and blue lines that form beneath the surface of your skin.

Venous insufficiency may not create a health concern at first, but it is a sign of a larger problem. If left to progress, the trapped blood in your veins can form a clot (known as deep vein thrombosis), which can travel to other areas of the body and turn deadly (known as a pulmonary embolism).

Screening for vascular issues will help prevent possible life threatening diseases. Through a venous ultrasound scan, your practitioner can examine your veins and locate faulty valves that are causing blood to flow backwards.

Once unhealthy veins are identified, you can take necessary steps to eliminating diseased veins in your body as well as finding healthier lifestyle habits that will contribute to your vein health.

Typically, screenings for men begin around age 50; however, you should consult your physician at the first signs of venous insufficiency, regardless of your age.

Colon Health Screenings

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men, but you can catch the disease early on with regular screenings. A colonoscopy is the most common way to look for precancerous or cancerous growths known as precancerous polyps within the colon that may develop in the future. If a screening identifies an abnormal growth, it can be removed during the colonoscopy. Your physician will also keep track of your colon’s health through regular screenings.

By the time you reach 50 years of age, you should be scheduling a colonoscopy regularly. If you are predisposed to colon cancer, your physician may recommend that you undergo screening tests earlier.

Ensuring the quality and longevity of your life starts now. If you would like more information about health screenings or the treatments available for varicose veins, contact Center for Vein Restoration and schedule a consultation.