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5 Simple Self-Checks Men Can Do to Stay Healthy

Written By: Care New England on June 03, 2021

Every once in a while, we should check in with ourselves to see how we're doing in specific areas of health and wellness. Otherwise, problem areas or mysterious symptoms could grow into something serious through inattention. While self-screenings aren't everything, they can often uncover areas of concern that professional health experts can follow up with and help you address.

5 Simple Self-Checks Men Can Do to Stay Healthy

These simple self-checks could reveal whether you're dealing with some underlying areas of concern. 

Weight and BMI

Weighing yourself can only tell you to what extent your body mass has fluctuated over recent days, months, or years. To turn your weigh-ins into helpful self-checks, compare your current height and weight with your recommended Body Mass Index (BMI).

This self-check can help you identify if you are currently

  • Normal weight
  • Underweight
  • Overweight
  • Obese

That done, you can evaluate your BMI and assess your associated weight/health risks.

Check Your Blood Pressure

Next time you're at the pharmacy, take time to sit down and slide your arm into an automated blood pressure monitor. Doing so can give you a clearer picture of your current risks for things like heart disease and stroke.

According to the CDC, measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it.

This is a quick, easy, and pain-free health check that no man should put off.

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Conduct a Skin Self-Exam

The sooner a skin cancer is identified and properly treated, the less likely it is to cause lasting damage to your health.

Fortunately, most skin cancers don't require x-rays or blood tests. To spot them, you simply need to know the signs and invest the proper care and attention into a routine self-exam.

  • Watch for rough/scaly patches of skin
  • Check for new or expanding growths, spots, or bumps
  • Be on alert for sores that bleed and do not heal for weeks/months
  • Investigate any moles that change in shape/color/definition

All these and more could be signs of skin cancer. Men should conduct regular self-exams to catch the signs early.

Gum Disease Check

In addition to brushing your teeth and flossing regularly, you should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease.

Red, swollen, and/or bleeding gums could be signs of gum disease. Since gum disease typically starts as mild inflammation along the gum line, do regular oral health checks and investigate any cases of tenderness as a cause for concern.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Bad breath
  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth

If your gum disease check raises red flags, don't put off seeking help! The problem will only get worse and could lead to secondary health complications. 

Prostate Self-Check

Prostate cancer is a major concern for men, especially as they age.

Unfortunately, prostate cancers don't cause many symptoms early on, and by the time men experience the following symptoms, the cancer has likely grown significantly:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Frequent urination at night
  • Burning urination
  • Blood in your urine
  • Difficulty getting an erection
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Lower back pain

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it's vital that you see your doctor immediately. 

However, if you are currently symptomless, that doesn't necessarily mean you're out of the woods. Remember, prostate cancer can remain symptom-free for quite some time. While prostate self-exams are technically possible, they are not advisable. Rather than relying on a self-diagnosis for this one, schedule an appointment to be evaluated by a professional today. 

Care New England Can Help

If you have identified areas of concern in your health, Care New England can assist you in getting back on track. Feel free to contact us today if you have any questions or concerns regarding your health.

Take the next step in feeling better