Important Message from The Joint Chiropractic regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) - Read More

The Manly Man's Guide to Preventative Healthcare

By Krista Elliott

Some men are really good about going to the doctor, but there are some who avoid it like the plague. My grandfather fell squarely into the latter category. He kept himself in great shape by snowshoeing and dancing, and ate healthfully. But visit a doctor? No way. Not unless he was REALLY sick. And sadly, the last time he got really sick, it was already too late. 

I don't bring this story up to scare you (well, maybe a little), but it does illustrate the point that getting regular checkups can help your doctor spot small health issues before they turn into large, irreversible ones. Ignorance may be bliss, but it can also be dangerous.

A Checklist for Your Health

Luckily, there are medical tests and screenings available to ensure that you guys remain in good health:

  • Find out your weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). Excess weight increases your risk for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Carrying around those extra pounds can also be hard on your back and joints.

  • Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked. HDL (good cholesterol) provides protection to your heart, whereas high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) can create blockages in your arteries. Triglycerides (a type of fat) are necessary for proper cell function, but too-high levels can lead to heart problems.

  • Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year, and more often if you've got a history of blood pressure problems. 

  • Get tested for diabetes by having glucose levels tested. Having diabetes can put you at risk for other problems, such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, damage to the hands and feet, as well as kidney disease.

  • Get screened for colorectal cancer. If you're over 50 (or younger if there's a history of colon cancer in your family), you need to get tested. A colonoscopy can help detect precancerous growths before they become malignant.

  • Talk to your doctor about depression if you've been feeling down, are having trouble sleeping, or you just don't feel like yourself. This is especially important if there's a history of mental illness in your family. Admitting you need help is not weak or "unmanly." It's smart!

  • Keep an eye on your skin. Check your skin regularly for moles that have changed shape or look abnormal. Anything unusual should be analyzed by your doctor to rule out skin cancer. Melanoma is highly curable when diagnosed early.

  • Although the testing of healthy men with no symptoms for prostate cancer is controversial,  you should still ask your doctor if you should be screened. This is especially true if you're over 40, and have a history of cancer in your family. 

So march your manly self to your doctor's office and take care of what's important: your health. 

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.

Download your offer today and save!

$29 New Patient Special, Consultation | Exam | Adjustment

Offer valued at $45. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary.