SA Express May 2013 magazine - Southafrica.to
SA Express May 2013 magazine - Southafrica.to
SA Express May 2013 magazine - Southafrica.to
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For the Guys<br />
Health practitioners recommend annual check-ups for men that should include the following:<br />
Blood Pressure<br />
Blood pressure (BP) is considered one of the most important medical tests and is<br />
usually done on each visit <strong>to</strong> the doc<strong>to</strong>r. But if your visits are infrequent, consider having<br />
your BP tested every six months. It could help <strong>to</strong> prevent a heart attack, stroke, heart<br />
failure or kidney disease.<br />
Cholesterol<br />
Medical experts believe that heart attacks or heart failure can be prevented if the<br />
cholesterol in your body is kept at acceptable levels. Annual checks are recommended.<br />
Prostate<br />
After the age of 50, men are more prone <strong>to</strong> prostate cancer and should<br />
have a prostate specific antigen (P<strong>SA</strong>) blood test carried out every<br />
year. Men younger than 50 should have their prostate checked at<br />
least once every two years.<br />
Colon and Rectum<br />
Screening tests for precancerous polyps in the colon or<br />
rectum should be done annually, as well as a faecal occult<br />
blood test <strong>to</strong> detect blood in the s<strong>to</strong>ol, which could indicate a<br />
more serious condition.<br />
Weight<br />
You can find your body mass index (BMI) by entering<br />
required data in<strong>to</strong> a BMI calcula<strong>to</strong>r (available on the Internet).<br />
A BMI reading of 30 or higher could indicate obesity, which<br />
is a contribu<strong>to</strong>ry cause for a range of ailments, including<br />
diabetes and heart failure.<br />
Eyes<br />
Regular eye tests at least every two years are important<br />
<strong>to</strong> rule out glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration,<br />
cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.<br />
MEDICAL CHECKS FOR MEN AT A GLANCE<br />
20 and Younger<br />
• Full dental check-up annually<br />
• Eye examination every two years<br />
• Blood pressure at least once a year<br />
• Complete physical examination<br />
21 <strong>to</strong> 50<br />
• Annual dental examination<br />
• Eye check-up every two years<br />
• Complete physical examination every three years<br />
• Blood pressure at least once a year<br />
• Cholesterol test at least every two years<br />
• Colon and rectal exam annually after age 40<br />
51 and Older<br />
• Annual blood pressure test<br />
• Annual dental examination<br />
• Cholesterol test at least every 2 years<br />
• Colon and rectum exam every three years<br />
• Complete physical exam every two years<br />
Indwe 39
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