Preventive Care For Men, Houston TX
Men also face some specific health concerns that are unique to them.
Preventive care beginning as a young adult can help men live a healthier lifestyle and possibly avoid health problems.
It is not uncommon for young men to skip preventive care if they presently enjoy good health. Yet, lifestyle habits formed as a young man may mean problems later in life.
Unhealthy lifestyle decisions at a young age can lead to heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other serious medical conditions.
One of the most important steps you can take is a thorough physical examination, which will include a family medical history, age-appropriate screening tests and identification of potential health problems.
If there is a history of heart disease, cancer or a chronic illness such as diabetes in your family medical history, your doctor may suggest other tests.
Colorectal cancer (colonoscopy)
Skin conditions including cancer and shingles
Mental health issues such as depression (more common in women than men)
Autoimmune diseases including diabetes, lupus and others
Heart Health
- Your weight
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
Eating heart-healthy foods and exercising (with your doctor’s guidance) along with preventive screening tests will help you reduce the dangers of heart disease.
Heart disease symptoms in women may be different from those in men leading to undiagnosed heart disease in its early stages when treatment may be more effective.
Talk to your doctor about the signs of heart disease and what steps you can take to prevent this leading cause of death in women.
Osteoporosis
While osteoporosis mostly affects older women, you can take steps at any age to reduce bone mass loss.
Your doctor will encourage healthy lifestyle changes to prevent or reduce the long-term effects of the condition. Starting as a young adult, you and your doctor can make the right decisions that render osteoporosis mostly preventable.
Cancer
Your doctor will recommend a schedule for mammograms that is age appropriate and considers your family history or any other risk factors.
Cervical cancer is a health concern that warrants your attention. Pap smears and a pelvic exam are important parts of preventive care for women.
The frequency of pap smears depends on several factors including age, sexual activity and other risk factors such as family history.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of significant change for your body and emotions. Most pregnancies proceed without problems for either you or your unborn child.
However, preventive measures before you become pregnant and during pregnancy can pay dividends for you and your baby.
Prenatal care is the medical care given before and during pregnancy. It is a good idea to discuss with your doctor your intentions of becoming pregnant.