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Rather than waiting for your doctor to discover medical problems, you can take the initiative to perform self-exams to look for early signs of disease. By finding these problems earlier, your outcomes could be better. But these examinations should supplement regular care rendered by your doctor, not replace it.
Here’s a list of common men’s health problems that can be monitored at home:
Belly fat check. Belly fat produces hormones that increase men’s risk of heart disease and diabetes. Simply measure the distance around your waist at the level of the belly button; if you measure more that 37 inches, you’re at risk. Repeat this test about once a month.
Heart rate check. Measure your pulse at rest at least once a month. Use this link for instructions:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/heart-rate/faq-20057979
Your pulse is normally between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Any reading outside that range could be a sign of a problem. An irregular pulse with variable times between each heart beat could indicate atrial fibrillation, a serious heart condition.
Blood pressure check. About 28 percent of men have high blood pressure, but up to 35% of men who have it don’t know. Undiagnosed and uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. Easy-to-use blood pressure cuffs are available at pharmacies everywhere. Measure your blood pressure while seated and resting, taking about 10 separate readings and averaging them. If your upper number is consistently above 120 or the lower number consistently above 80, contact your doctor. Repeat this exam every few weeks.
Testicular cancer check. This cancer is uncommon and is one of the most curable forms of cancer, but the earlier it’s found the better the prognosis. Most cases occur in men ages 20 to 35. Use this link for directions on how to perform this exam:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/heart-rate/faq-20057979
Repeat this exam about once a month.
Oral cancer check. Oral cancer, which is twice as common in men than in women, may show up as a sore or lump that doesn’t heal on the lips or in the mouth. To check, open wide and look and feel for any abnormalities, running your finger around and under your tongue. White or red patches in the mouth can be early warning signs of cancer. Consult your doctor or dentist about any worrisome findings. Repeat this check monthly.
Skin cancer check. Do a monthly total body self-exam to look for new moles or changes in old ones. Compared with women, men are twice as likely to have basal cell cancers and three times as likely to have squamous cell cancers. These cancers develop in different skin layers, and squamous cell cancers are more likely to spread to other areas. Look for moles that change in size, shape, thickness and color. Get naked and look everywhere, including your scalp and the soles of your feet. Have a partner help you check areas that are hard to see, especially your back. And don’t forget your ears, sun-exposed areas that are very prone to developing skin cancers.
Breast cancer check. About 2,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men annually in the United States, and since men do not have screening mammograms, these cancers often develop undetected. After a shower, look for changes in breast size and shape and feel each breast for lumps. Also, squeeze both nipples to look for discharge. Do this check about once a month