Many men pay very little attention to their health and visit a doctor only in exceptional cases. As a result, from the age of thirty (or even earlier), it is necessary to begin the prevention of many diseases. Unfortunately, over the past decades, many diseases have seriously “rejuvenated.” Previously, heart attacks and strokes were extremely rare in young people but now these diseases affect men at the prime of life, often leading to disability. That is why all men who have reached the age of thirty are recommended to visit a primary care physician at least once a year and perform a number of diagnostic procedures. Identification of diseases that are often completely asymptomatic in the early stages makes it possible to cure or slow their progression, thus preserving the health of a young man.
Men’s health after 30 – recommendations for the prevention of diseases
Diagnostics
You can pass the examination in a special diagnostic center or in the clinic.
In special diagnostic centers, everyone, regardless of age, can undergo an examination, find out about his or her state of health and receive the necessary recommendations.
The doctor will examine the patient and prescribe several laboratory and instrumental studies. One of the important diagnostic procedures during the examination is the measurement of blood pressure. Often patients have no symptoms, they may appear later, when serious therapy will be needed. But the risk of heart attacks and strokes in men is several times higher than in women. If a man at the age of 30 reveals the initial stage of arterial hypertension, then a lifestyle change (giving up bad habits, normalizing weight, physical activity) and taking antihypertensive drugs can slow the progression of the disease and prevent a cardiovascular catastrophe.
Upon examination, the doctor may detect an increase or gross changes in the structure of some internal organs (for example, liver, pancreas, spleen), suspect diseases of the respiratory, cardiovascular and other systems and refer the patient for a more detailed examination.
All men who consult a doctor for a routine examination are sent to undergo the ECG. It is also necessary to detect early pathologies of the heart.
In addition, clinical and biochemical blood tests must be taken to determine cholesterol and glucose levels. Currently, more and more young people are diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance and elevated cholesterol. With small deviations from the norm, it is possible to correct these indicators with a diet, in many cases it is not even necessary to take any medications. But in advanced cases, patients can no longer do without them. In addition, with an increase in blood cholesterol, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases significantly. Diabetes mellitus has also become “younger” in recent years.
Once a year, all men over 30 years of age must undergo a fluorographic examination. Currently, this is especially true since the number of patients with tuberculosis is increasing annually. The number of tuberculosis patients among socially quite prosperous people is constantly increasing.
Men over 30 years of age are recommended to visit a urologist annually for the purpose of early detection and prevention of cancer of the male genital area. Cancer of the prostate and testicles is detected in men most often, these diseases also have scant symptoms in the initial stages. Patients are assigned an analysis that determines the level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen). This tumor marker has absolute specificity because it is produced only in the cells of the prostate gland, its level can increase both in malignant tumors of the gland and in prostate adenoma. If any disease is suspected, a more in-depth examination is prescribed (rectal digital examination of the prostate, ultrasound, etc.).
Men over 30 need to visit an ophthalmologist at least once every several years to examine the organ of vision. The eye load in the modern world is very high, so many young people have vision problems.
Useful tips for men over 30
Watch your weight
Many men consider extra pounds to be exclusively female flaws. After 25-30 years, metabolic processes in the body slow down, and this becomes one of the reasons for the development of obesity. Being overweight is a serious problem since obesity significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in addition, obese men often have problems in the intimate sphere.
In order to independently assess the presence of excess weight, you can use one of the formulas that take into account the height and weight of a person. To determine the body mass index (BMI), the value corresponding to the weight (kg) must be divided by the value corresponding to the growth (m), squared. For example, if a man’s weight is 80 kg and height is 180 cm (1.8 m), then BMI will be: 80 kg / 3.24 sq. m = 24.7 kg / sq. m
For a man, a BMI in the range of 20 to 25 is considered normal, from 25 to 30 – overweight, and over 30 – obesity.
In the presence of excess body weight (perhaps this is just a couple of extra pounds) you need to reconsider your lifestyle, refuse some foods or reduce their consumption, especially fast food, fatty, fried foods, sweets, alcohol. In addition, it is necessary to increase physical activity. If the BMI is more than 30, then this is an occasion to seriously think about your health. If you can’t get rid of excess weight on your own, you need to see a doctor.
Move more
Many men over 30 lead a sedentary lifestyle. After work, they prefer to lie on the couch in front of the TV, rather than visit the gym or at least take a walk. This is one of the reasons for gaining excess weight but physical inactivity increases not only the risk of obesity but also many other health problems. Sedentary people are more likely to suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system because the heart muscle weakens, the risk of developing diabetes increases, digestive processes slow down, and, as a result, toxins accumulate in the body.
People leading a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to have hemorrhoids. Previously, this disease was extremely rare in young people but now hemorrhoids are also diagnosed in people aged 30–35 years.
Another problem that can affect young men who lead an inactive lifestyle is chronic prostatitis. Urologists note that in recent years, prostatitis is increasingly being diagnosed in young men. With hypodynamia, especially if a man spends a lot of time in a sitting position (in the office, driving a car, etc.), the blood supply to the pelvic organs, including the prostate gland, worsens. This is one of the predisposing factors for the development of chronic prostatitis.
Get rid of bad habits
Everyone knows that bad habits do not add health to anyone. If you have not done this before, then it’s time to think about the fact that it’s time to get rid of nicotine addiction, and you should not abuse alcohol. After 30 years, the organs and systems of the body are no longer as active as before, therefore, harmful substances entering the body with tobacco smoke and alcohol are excreted worse, which means that most of them accumulate in the body. At the age of 30, most smokers still have no obvious problems with the respiratory system but by the age of 50 all smokers will be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, and half will have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, smokers are more likely to suffer from respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, and cancer.
Excessive passion for junk should be also attributed to bad habits. Frequent use of fast food, snacks such as chips, crackers, salted nuts, etc., sweet carbonated drinks is very harmful to health. All these products contain substances that “clog” the body.
Regular sex life
Regular sex life is the key to men’s health and longevity. 2-4 times a week is considered regular sexual relations. Many studies have shown that while men have increased life expectancy, they are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases. In addition, regular sex contributes to the prevention of chronic prostatitis because during ejaculation, the secretion of the prostate gland is ejected (namely, congestion in the prostate is one of the causes of prostatitis).
In addition, it is proved that men who have regular sex life have high vitality, are less prone to stress and apathy, and are less likely to suffer from depression. Some scientists claim that during sexual intercourse, men develop substances that stimulate brain activity, which improves memory, attention and reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other age-related diseases of the nervous system.
What doctor to visit?
To undergo an annual medical examination, you need to contact a primary care physician. If necessary, you can get advice from a nutritionist (for obesity), an endocrinologist (with an increase in blood sugar), a urologist or andrologist (for pathology of the prostate), a proctologist (for hemorrhoids), a cardiologist (for hypertension), an ophthalmologist (for vision problems), a narcologist (to get rid of bad habits), sex therapist (to normalize intimate life).