Welcome to Health Week. While dressing well is important, I think a lot us forget about what’s happening inside. ♾ I plan on lasting as long as possible. ♾ As we age, our bodies continually change and we become more susceptible to various age-specific health risks. It’s not weird or wasting your time to care about this!
Photography by Hello Jasmine
TIPS FOR MONITORING YOUR HEALTH AT ANY AGE
As we age, our bodies continually change and we become more susceptible to various age-specific health risks. No matter what your age, there is always a routine screening or test that you should be receiving in order to monitor your health.
Even if you feel healthy, there could be underlying issues that go unnoticed. Between feeling healthy and stubbornness, it’s no wonder that men aged 18-40 are less likely to go to the doctor than any other group. The older you get, the more important it is to go in for routine checkups, but at any age you should be going at least every other year.
Age 20-39
If you’re fresh out of college, you may feel like you are in peak shape. However, you could have high blood pressure and not experience a single symptom. Instead of going to the doctor only when you are sick, a physical every few years will help you monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and other health factors.
Furthermore, one of the biggest risks for young men is testicular cancer. You should be giving yourself a testicular self exam every month. If you feel any unusual lumps, see a doctor who could help diagnose the issue.
Age 40-65
Once you reach middle age, health risks begin to unsurprisingly increase. Family history should be taken into consideration and could put you at a greater risk for certain diseases. Nevertheless, all men should start to receive screenings for colon cancer and diabetes.
Men also begin to drop in testosterone levels during this age. While the consequences may not be as serious, you can become more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction, lower libido, and muscle fatigue. Even though it is sometimes taboo to talk about, a doctor can help prescribe medication for ED or low T.
Age 65 & Up
Once you officially become a senior, it’s even more imperative that you get proper screenings. It’s certainly possible that you can live well into your 90s and even past 100, but that requires being diligent about monitoring your health. Luckily, you can quit the colonoscopies once you reach 75. On the other hand, once you reach 70 you should also consider a bone density exam for osteoporosis.
What’s important at every age, but paramount in old age, is that you are proactive about going to the doctor. When symptoms arise, you should try to nip them in the bud before things get worse. Stay dandy, stay healthy.
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Thanks for reading, y’all stay dandy. 😎 Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram!
-Diego