Men’s Health Matters –  The Importance of Annual Health Check-Ups for Men

You’ve probably heard many of the statistics by now: on average, men die 5 years earlier than women, men typically have higher blood pressure, and men are more likely to have higher cholesterol. If you only heard these facts, you could be forgiven for thinking that a rather bleak picture of men’s health is being painted. However, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Did you know that men are twice as likely to wait for at least two years before contacting a medical professional? But why is this? Is it because there is a social stigma attached to men seeking help? Are there wider societal issues at play? Is there a shortage of doctors for men?

We need to shift the narrative around men’s healthcare. One way that men can take charge of their health is through an annual health check-up. A health check-up can help men to live healthier lives, as well as improve their overall quality of life.

What is a Men’s Health Check-Up?

A men’s health check-up can help uncover hidden health issues, detect cancer early, and help men live healthier lives. It assesses the risk of developing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke, giving men a clear understanding of their overall health and identifying areas to focus on.

With the results from these checks, men can make more informed decisions about their well-being. Whether it’s making lifestyle changes or starting early treatment, addressing potential health concerns can improve long-term outcomes and even save lives if serious conditions (like cancer) are identified in time.

What Does A Health Check-Up for Men Typically Involve? 

An annual health check-up for men may involve numerous assessments. While the specifics may vary depending on the tests you choose, some of the assessments you can expect include:

• A cardiac health assessment to determine the risk of heart disease or complications. 
• Blood pressure assessment to ensure it falls within the recommended range.
• A diabetes screening to evaluate for pre-diabetes, type 1, and type 2 diabetes.
• Testosterone level evaluation. After all,  testosterone is an important health metric for men. 
• Comprehensive blood tests to examine blood health and screen for other illnesses.
• Checking for liver functionality. 
• Checking for vitamins and minerals (more specifically vitamin D and Vitamin B12).
• Examining for Iron deficiency (as this is an oft-forgotten health marker). 
• As mentioned before, men typically have higher cholesterol levels. Luckily, health check-ups check cholesterol levels to ensure they are at optimal levels. 
• Health checks also check for inflammation. 

Not all health check-ups are the same. The features of your check-up will depend on the specific service you choose. At YorkTest, we offer many different types of health tests for men to take advantage of. From our all-encompassing annual health tests, (which measure 39 different key health markers), to our male hormones test that provides 8 key male hormone markers, our tests provide hospital-standard, easy-to-read traffic light results. Furthermore, you will receive your test results within 7 days of submitting your readings. 

It’s also worth saying that the NHS does offer a free health check-up for people aged 40-74.  The check-up is performed by a healthcare professional (usually a nurse) but it could also be conducted by a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare assistant. The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes. The NHS health check can help identify early signs of health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and even dementia. If you’re unsure whether you are eligible for this test or want to learn more about what is included, you can find more information on their website.

Prostate Screening Tests

Men over the age of 50 are at higher risk of prostate cancer. Because of this, they can request a PSA test through the NHS. This test is effective at identifying early signs of prostate cancer, allowing for early treatment and reducing the risk of the cancer becoming fatal. The test can also help to alleviate potential worries. A PSA test works by measuring the amount of prostate-specific antigen in a man’s blood. A high level could indicate prostate cancer or other concerning conditions.

However, PSA results are not perfect. Research has shown that around 1 in 7 men with prostate cancer will have a normal PSA result, and around 3 in 4 men with a raised PSA level will not have cancer. This can lead to unnecessary worry, stress, and further medical tests when there is no cancer present.

If you have a raised PSA level, you may require a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of the prostate to check for cancer. This is highly effective at identifying potential prostate cancer cells.

How To Be A Healthier Man

As we touched upon earlier, male health is sometimes seen as a taboo topic, but it really shouldn’t be. There are many ways that men can take better care of their health, whether it’s physically, mentally, or emotionally. Let’s take a look at some key men’s health tips:

• Regular Exercise: Men should aim for a mixture of strength training and cardiovascular activity, along with lighter activities such as daily walks. It’s recommended to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week.
• Healthy Diet: Men should incorporate a balanced, well-rounded diet into their daily lives, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. A balanced diet can reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Monitor Food Intolerances & Allergies: It is important to monitor and avoid any food intolerances and allergies to maintain good health.
• Mental Health Care: It’s estimated that around 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, and this needs to change. Men should seek help from a mental health professional or confide in someone they trust about their feelings and concerns.
• Sleep Pattern: Getting enough sleep is crucial for physical and mental well-being. Men should aim for between 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep per night.
• Develop Healthy Habits: Men should seek to establish healthy habits, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Regular Health Check-Ups: As discussed earlier, regular health check-ups are essential for men’s general health. They can help to uncover the early signs of health conditions and provide peace of mind.

At YorkTest, we take pride in the fact that we help support people to live more healthy lives. Why not take the next step towards living a healthier life by taking one of our tests? Our tests can give you valuable insights into the status of your health, in as little as 7 days, and help support you to make all-important lifestyle changes.