Chances are you get your car tuned regularly, never skip an oil change, and keep it buffed and polished until it sparkles. But do you take such good care of yourself?
Maintenance schedule for your body
Investing a little time and money in preventive maintenance on your body will pay big dividends later and increase the chances of enjoying your grandchildren.
- Every year have a physical exam for cancer (skin, thyroid, lymph nodes, prostate and rectum) and a dental exam.
- Every 1 to 2 years have your doctor check your height/weight measurements, blood pressure and vision. He or she should also check for blood in a stool sample.
- Every 3 to 5 years have your cholesterol and blood sugar checked and, after age 50, have a colonoscopy to check for colon cancer.
- When you are over 65 years old, every 1 to 3 years have your doctor check your thyroid hormone, hearing and urine.
Additional tests
- Chest x-ray. If you are or were a smoker, you should have a chest x-ray at about age 40 and periodically as recommended by your doctor after that.
- Testosterone screening. If you have symptoms such as a low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue or depression, you may want to ask your doctor about a testosterone screening.
- Sexually transmitted diseases. If you are sexually active and at risk for an STD, you should be checked periodically. Playing it safe by remaining monogamous or using a condom is the better option.
Self-exams
Once a month check your skin for changing moles or early skin cancer, testicles for any lumps that might indicate cancer, and mouth with a torch to see if there are any cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions.
In addition to seeing your doctor regularly, watch your weight and exercise regularly.
Immunisations
- Have an influenza vaccine every year.
- A Tdap booster at least every 10 years will help prevent tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria and whooping cough.
- Have a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine at age 65 or earlier if you have risk factors, such as heart failure, lung disease or alcoholism.
Sources
www.fatherhood.about.com
www.health.howstuffworks.com
www.mensfitness.com