5 health issues men under 40 should check.
All you need to do is undergo quick and painless tests to be assured of good health, and don't worry too much about the "uncomfortable" examination procedures.
Here are five essential health checkups if you are a man under 40.
1. Testicular examination
Although testicular cancer has a relatively low incidence (only 1% of all cancers), it is most common in men aged 15 to 35. Lance Armstrong – a name synonymous with this type of cancer – was first diagnosed at age 25.
Armstrong is a prime example of the importance of early testicular cancer screening – if detected early, the cure rate can be as high as 95%.
Ask your doctor for a check-up or perform a self-examination monthly right after a warm bath, when the skin is still loose. Using both hands, gently roll each testicle with your thumb and other fingers, feeling for hard lumps, smooth, rounded masses, or any changes in size or shape.
2. Check blood pressure
Second only to unintentional injuries, heart disease is the leading killer in men under 40. One of the biggest risk factors is untreated high blood pressure. About one-third of adults have high blood pressure, and one-fifth of them are unaware of it. Neglecting high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney and eye disease, and heart failure.
The ideal number to aim for is 120/80. If your blood pressure is 130/80 or higher, ask your doctor how you can improve your risk (for example, by reducing salt, saturated fat, and alcohol) without medication.
3. Check cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol isn't entirely bad. In fact, our bodies need it to function. The trouble comes when you combine it with a high-fat diet and a sedentary lifestyle, plus genetics. Bad cholesterol (LDL) can clog arteries and reduce blood flow, leading to strokes or heart attacks.
Everyone over 35 should have their blood cholesterol checked. Start earlier, for example in your 20s, if you have diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of these conditions.
Total cholesterol levels should be below 200 mg/dL, with LDL below 100 and HDL above 45. Two ways to improve cholesterol are: adding soluble fiber (e.g., oat bran, eggplant, beans) to your diet and increasing your intake of unsaturated fats (e.g., almonds, pistachios).
4. Get checked for depression.
It's normal to feel sad sometimes, but for some people, it can be dangerous. According to a 2008 CDC report, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among men aged 35 to 44. This is because men often prioritize physical health and tend to hide their mental health. This is where a good relationship with your doctor can really save your life.
Talk to your doctor about stress, insomnia, and/or what's happening in your life (e.g., a recent breakup or job loss). If concerned, your doctor can work with you to break the cycle, including helping you find the right treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. If you have severe depression, you may also want to rule out biochemical causes with blood tests.
5. Skin cancer screening
You've been told: Never go outside without sunscreen. But how often do you reapply it while you're out and about? If the answer is never, then know this: Men are 2 to 3 times more likely than women to develop basal cell carcinoma and non-melanoma squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma—the most dangerous form of skin cancer—causes 48,000 deaths annually.
Skin blemishes are a global phenomenon – and are increasing among those aged 20 to 40. That's why the American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend regular self-examinations of your skin to detect any changes in the shape, color, and size of any blemishes.
The SpotCheck app (free on iTunes) lets you upload images of your most concerning moles for review by a team of qualified dermatologists. You'll receive a response within 24 hours indicating whether you need to schedule an appointment with a local dermatologist to discuss your suspicious moles.
