When it comes to wellness, men are much less likely overall to go to the doctor. The fact is, about 72% of men would rather do household chores than see their doctor. Overall, women do a better job with their health screenings and preventative screenings.
It's just as important for men to have a wellness checkup. The key to male wellness is regular wellness checkups with your doctor. Men should understand the importance of undergoing annual blood tests for prostate screenings and heart health.
Keep reading this guide to learn the benefits of regular wellness checkups for men and the different lab tests used to screen your health.
What is Men's Wellness
When you think about men's health, you may think of things like an enlarged prostate or even prostate cancer at an older age. But the truth is men's health problems can affect men at any age.
Preventative healthcare focuses on maintaining your health and stopping health problems before they have a chance to start. The true benefits of wellness checkups are life-changing, and the advice you receive can jump-start you into making lasting healthy changes in your life.
The most important thing you can do is see your doctor. Annual screens and blood work are the tools that will power these changes.
Risk factors for a Decline in Men's Wellness
The top risk factors for men's health in the US include:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Chronic respiratory disease
- COVID
Motor vehicle accidents are also a common risk factor among men.
But one of the most significant risk factors is that men tend to avoid visiting the doctor until something is seriously wrong. What's more, they're also avoiding essential health screenings, blood tests, and other necessary health evaluations.
The good news is that you can make a few fundamental lifestyle changes and reduce your risk factors and the causes of declining health.
Causes of a Decline in Men's Wellness
Men need to take charge of their health and make better lifestyle choices. Focus on the biggest factors that cause your health to decline. Make sure you honestly evaluate your lifestyle and what habits need changing.
First, don't start smoking. And if you already smoke or use any tobacco product, talk to your doctor about helping you quit.
Eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean protein like fish, and foods high in fiber. You also need to maintain a healthy weight and put in the work to shed the excess pounds.
It's also important to get moving and stay moving. Regular exercise lowers your chances of heart disease and stroke. Find activities that you enjoy and that you'll stick to. Tennis, baseball, basketball, or hiking are all great options.
If you drink alcohol, work to limit your alcohol intake and drink in moderation. Limit your alcohol intake to two drinks a day. If you're older than 65, limiting it to one drink a day is best.
It would help if you also manage your stress. Do you have a high-pressure lifestyle and constantly feel on edge? Ongoing stress and anxiety can have long-term effects on your immune system. It's essential to reduce your stress and learn how to manage your stress more healthily.
Signs and Symptoms of a Decline in Men's Wellness
Remember, feeling healthy doesn't mean you are healthy. Men must pay attention to their bodies and know the warning signs. Sometimes, warning signs are very subtle but are a sign of a serious health condition. Watch for symptoms such as:
- Chest pain that is constant or comes and goes
- Blood in your urine
- Feeling short of breath
- Rapid hair loss
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Excessive thirst
- Memory loss that is more than the usual forgetfulness
- Vision problems like blind spots or halos around lights
If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure you see your doctor and take care of your health.
How is Men's Wellness Measured With Lab Tests
Annual blood testing is a critical part of monitoring men's wellness. Your doctor will order a standard male wellness panel to identify and or monitor for any previously diagnosed conditions that can affect your overall health.
Lab tests for men are fantastic tools to see how medications lifestyle choices like diet and alcohol impact your health.
Lab Tests to Monitor Men's Wellness
A men's wellness baseline panel is the perfect place to begin your journey to wellness. One of the first tests included in this panel is a complete blood count (CBC), which tests your blood levels, immunity, and overall blood health.
A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) gives important information about your metabolism, kidneys, liver, blood sugar, and electrolytes. The gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is elevated in all forms of liver disease and is a fantastic indicator of your liver's health.
An apolipoprotein A1 and B is a precise way to measure your risk for coronary artery disease along with your total HDL, and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Elevated PSA levels are typical in men with prostate cancer or inflammatory conditions of the prostate, so it's essential to have this checked. A total testosterone level measures the amount of testosterone that is in the blood. Men can have symptoms of low testosterone, like fatigue and a low level of sexual interest.
A complete urinalysis measures over 27 components in your urine, such as bacteria, protein, glucose, and blood, and gives a good indicator of illness or disease.
FAQs About Men's Wellness
What's the best way for men to manage stress? Most men have full and busy lives. Active careers and family responsibilities can drive up your stress levels. Some good ways to start feeling stress include:
- Exercise
- Set limits
- Prioritize
- Make time to have some fun
- Join a club or sports team
- Seek professional counseling
What will my doctor discuss with me during my appointment? If you're like many men out there, you probably don't go to the doctor as often as you should and may not know what to expect.
Your doctor will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle and talk to you about any symptoms you're experiencing. Next is a physical exam, which includes your weight and blood pressure. Your doctor will also speak to you about blood tests and health screenings for heart disease and diabetes.
If you haven't seen your doctor yet this year, schedule an appointment today. It's never too late to start on the path of wellness.
Wellness Checkup Tests at Ulta Lab Tests
Ulta Lab Tests offers highly reliable tests so that you can make the best decisions about your health. Here are some things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:
- Secure and confidential results
- No need for health insurance
- No need for a physician's referral
- Affordable pricing
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Order your wellness lab tests today, and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.
If you're searching Google for a wellness checkup near me, then stop and shop with Ulta Lab Tests.
