Practical Health Improvement Tips for Men
Men's health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare. Men have long been notoriously poor at addressing health issues early. Although awareness has improved in recent years, understanding common illnesses that affect men and recognising the relevant tests can significantly enhance health outcomes. Here, we explore prevalent illnesses in men, the symptoms to watch for, and the essential men’s blood tests that aid in early detection and management.
Common Illnesses in Men
Cardiovascular Diseases
The British Heart Foundation estimates that 4 million men in the UK are living with heart and circulatory diseases, and this number is set to increase. But how do we know if there’s a problem? There are a number of relevant risk factors, many of which are easily monitored.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Blood pressure readings consistently above 140/80 mmHg require further investigation and monitoring.
- High Cholesterol: Elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels.
- Obesity: A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.Diabetes or Pre-diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels or a raised HbA1c level.
- Smoking
- Family History: Genetic predisposition to heart disease.
Often evolving cardiovascular issues don’t cause any symptoms, heightening the need to be proactive in your approach. There are however a few symptoms that do warrant more immediate investigation. These include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
Prostate Cancer
With over 50,000 new cases annually in the UK, early detection of prostate cancer significantly improves survival rates. The risk increases with age, especially over 50, and is higher for those with a family history of prostate cancer.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): Elevated PSA levels in the blood can indicate prostate cancer. It is worth remembering however that this test is by no means perfect, and PSA can be raised for a variety of reasons.
The following symptoms are not specific to prostate cancer but might warrant further investigation:
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Back pain or weight loss
Diabetes Mellitus
Estimates suggest that as many as 5.6 million people are living with diabetes in the UK, with as many as 1.2 million unaware of their diagnosis. Risk factors include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of the disease.
Diagnosis can be made via a blood test. This can also identify ‘pre-diabetes’, a sign that you are at high risk of developing diabetes without lifestyle interventions.
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
Depression and Anxiety
1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind every year in the UK. Sometimes this will manifest as persistent sadness or hopelessness, or frequently feeling down. You may notice a loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed or a change in your sleep pattern or appetite.
If these symptoms are going on for more than 2 weeks or are very severe, you should seek medical help.
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue and low energy
- Physical aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviours
Essential Health Tests for Men
Although the list above is not exhaustive, it highlights some common health issues for men to be aware of. But what about specific tests to consider? The following relate closely to the issues mentioned above and may be of benefit.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
A blood test measuring PSA levels is useful for detecting prostate cancer early. As mentioned previously, the test is not perfect, and men may wish to discuss the benefits and risks with their healthcare provider.
Testosterone Blood Test
A blood test to measure testosterone is especially important for men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone (e.g., fatigue, decreased libido).
Liver Function Blood Test
Important for men who consume alcohol regularly or take medications that may affect the liver.
Other Men’s Health Tests Worthy of Consideration
In addition to the primary health tests, several other screenings are essential for maintaining overall well-being and addressing potential health concerns:
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STI (sexually transmitted infection) Screening: Regular screening for sexually transmitted diseases is crucial for sexually active men, particularly those with multiple partners.
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Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical examination may be recommended if your doctor has concerns about your prostate. This exam can provide valuable information about the shape and size of the prostate.
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Lipid Profile: Measures cholesterol levels, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Can aid the assessment of future cardiovascular risk.
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Blood Pressure Measurement: Regular monitoring can help detect hypertension early, crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke.
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Blood Glucose Tests: Includes fasting blood sugar and HbA1c tests, vital for diagnosing and managing diabetes and pre-diabetes.
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Eye Exam: Annual eye exams are important for detecting conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, particularly in men over 40.
- Hearing Test: Men may want to consider having their hearing checked from time to time, especially if they have a history of exposure to loud noises.
Lifestyle Changes for Improved Health
Blood tests are an excellent way to monitor and improve your health, however, there are also small changes that any man can make to better their health:
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Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
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Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive red meat.
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Weight Management: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise to prevent chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular health.
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Stopping Smoking: Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.
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Limiting Alcohol Intake: Moderate alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of liver disease, cancer, and other health issues.
- Stress Management: Incorporate practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness to manage stress and improve mental health.
Helping Men Taking Charge of Their Health
Improving men’s health requires awareness of common illnesses, understanding your markers, and undergoing relevant tests. Early detection and preventive measures can significantly enhance health outcomes. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying proactive about health screenings, men can lead longer, healthier lives.
Our Recommended Blood Tests for Men
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 3 men’s health issues?
This depends on age and demographics, but obesity, cardiovascular disease and mental health issues are 3 common health issues in men.
What do men need for health?
Awareness and understanding of possible health issues are crucial for men.
What is the biggest problem for men?
This depends on age and demographics, but obesity, cardiovascular disease and mental health issues are 3 common health issues in men.
What are the main health concerns for men?
This depends on age and demographics, but obesity, cardiovascular disease and mental health issues are 3 common health issues in men.
Do men talk about their health?
Men are generally felt to be worse at talking about their health than women. This may be due to a lack of understanding, fear of addressing a particular issue, or reluctance to talk about their issues.
How does masculinity influence men’s health habits?
Men are generally felt to be worse at talking about their health than women. This may be due to a lack of understanding, fear of addressing a particular issue, or reluctance to talk about their own issues.
What is the common mental health problem in men?
Depression and anxiety are common in men and women. These can often manifest with anger, irritability, or substance abuse.
What are the most common sexual health issues in men?
STIs are more common in men than women, with erectile dysfunction being the most notable.
Why are men less likely to go to doctors?
Men are generally felt to be worse at talking about their health than women. This may be due to a lack of understanding, fear of addressing a particular issue, or reluctance to talk about their own issues.
How often should a man go to the doctor?
There is no hard and fast rule to this, but men should certainly not avoid seeing a doctor if they have concerns about their health. They may also want to consider monitoring blood pressure, weight and cholesterol to identify any developing issues.
What blood test should men do?
Blood tests can be helpful in diagnosing a variety of issues but should be interpreted with caution. Cholesterol, a diabetic check in the form of HbA1c, and Liver Function Tests can be valuable screening tests.
What is a full panel test for men?
Blood tests can be helpful in diagnosing a variety of issues but should be interpreted with caution. Cholesterol, a diabetic check in the form of HbA1c, and Liver Function Tests can be valuable screening tests.
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