If you’re like me, it takes a lot to get you to the doctors. And we’re not alone. Most Aussie blokes in particular rarely go to the doctors when they should, adopting a “she’ll be right” mentality instead.
The truth is, we should all be going to the doctor regularly to ensure everything is OK. Early detection is key for your health and knowing what to ask for when you go to the doctors makes it a lot easier.
Don’t put your wellbeing on the backburner. Here are the health checks you should get at each stage of life, to make it to the next stage.
All Ages
There are a couple of things men of all ages should get regular check-ups for. These problems don’t discriminate by age, so it’s important to make them a regular occurrence.
Skin cancer/melanoma checks are so important, particularly for golfers. If you notice any changes to your skin, new spots, or changing spots, it’s important to get a skin check by a professional. The Cancer Council provide good information on how to check for signs of skin cancer and be sure to have regular skin checks depending upon your risk level.
Poor dental health can also have adverse effects on not just your oral health, but other parts of your body. Keep your pearly whites healthy with regular dental check-ups.
20s
During your 20s, the main focus of health checks is early detection for preventable disease, sexual health and mental health. We all think we’re invincible when we are young, so don’t let something preventable jeopardise that mindset. It’s highly recommended that you get an annual physical exam that includes blood pressure, height and weight checks.
Testicular cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men aged 18-39. Do a monthly self-check, and to go to a doctor should you notice any changes in size or hard lumps.
Regular sexual health checks are recommended. Ask your GP about STI urine/blood tests if you are having regular sexual intercourse.
Always ask for a cholesterol test every five years and if you have a family history of disease or are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, it is recommended to speak to your GP about early screening.
Regular mental health check-ups are important if you don’t feel yourself.
30s
In your 30s, work seems to take over, a family may come into the scene and life becomes a whole lot busier. In this decade, you should maintain all the check-ups listed above regularly. You should also have blood tests for diabetes, thyroid disease, liver problems and anaemia, and an annual screening for coronary heart disease.
40s
As we move into our 40s, the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiac complications increase. This means a healthy diet and nutrition are increasingly important. Regular check-ups in this stage of life are especially important. The check-ups you should be having include an annual physical exam to include blood pressure, height, weight and BMI. A cardiovascular evaluation every five years is also recommended. You should get a screening for prostate cancer every year and always check for glaucoma.
50s
Having accumulated more than half a century of knowledge and experience at this point, your 50s are the beginning of the golden years. It’s also the beginning of the high-risk stage of your health. The health tests you should be having include an annual screening for type-2 diabetes, lipid disorder screenings yearly, annual vision and hearing exams, a colon cancer check-up based upon GP recommendation, bowel cancer development test every two years, a prostate exam every year and a bone density scan that screens for osteoporosis and low density.
60s +
By the time you hit 60, health check-ups should just about be routine. Sixty and beyond looks different for everyone, so it’s important to listen to your body and consult with your GP regularly based upon your medical history. By this age, you should know enough about your own health and body to know when to see the doctor, and every six months minimum is what you should aim for. The tests you should get, in addition to the tests in your 50s, include annual osteoporosis and bone-density scans, colon screenings, based on previous studies and results, screenings for dementia and Alzheimer’s and annual vision and hearing exams.
While these tests and screenings are a guide, your own health and family history may require additional testing and screening. Make your health a priority, and remember, 70 percent of your health is determined by your lifestyle and what you eat.
• Former NRL star Adam MacDougall is a qualified health, nutrition and fitness coach plus a two-time best-selling health and fitness author. Read on for more healthy golfer tips from Adam and Australian Golf Digest.
