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Men's Health

There are several things that a man should be aware of when it comes to his health. From making sure his heart functions properly to keeping fit, balancing his nutrition and watching his weight, men have a lot to think about when it comes to staying healthy.

Common Exams for Men
First, men should have a routine physical exam in order to make sure that they are healthy. When a man is young and in good health, he should see a doctor at least once a year to make sure that everything is functioning properly. When men reach the age of 50, they should start getting common exams for men on a regular basis.

Here's a list of some of the common exams for men:

• Blood pressure checks: Men should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year.
  
  
• Cholesterol checks: Men should have their cholesterol checked at least every 5 years, starting at the age of 35. If you smoke, have diabetes or if heart disease runs in your family, you should start getting your cholesterol checked at age 20.
  
  
• Colorectal cancer tests: Men should be regularly screened for colorectal cancer when they turn 50.
  
  
• Depression screenings: Men should talk to their doctor about being screened for depression if they feel down, hopeless or sad for more than two weeks or if they loose interest in their normal activities for an extended period.
  
  
• Diabetes tests: Men should be screened for diabetes if they have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
  
  
• Prostate cancer checks: Starting at the age of 50, men should be screened for prostate cancer.Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) tests: Sexually active men should be screened for STDs at least once a year.

Men and Weight
When it comes to staying healthy, men must realize the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index. Keeping an eye on these two factors is a good way to guess whether or not a man will become sick later in life. Being overweight will increase a man's risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and even certain types of cancer.

A man's body mass index should fall between nineteen and 24. A man with a BMI between 25 and 29 is considered overweight, and a man with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Having a high BMI can increase a man's risk of many different illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, etc.

Men and Aortic Aneurysms
Men should also be aware of aortic aneurysms, which are bulges in the wall of the aorta. An aortic aneurysm is dangerous because it can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. An ultrasound screening may be able to detect aneurysms so that they can be properly treated before they rupture.

Smokers are more prone to aortic aneurysms, so men who smoke or who once smoked should schedule an ultrasound when they turn fifty. They should also be tested again between the ages of 65 and 75. It might also be a good idea for non-smokers to get an ultrasound too, as it might spot other health problems.

Men's Health and Nutrition
An important factor in men's health is nutrition. Men should review the food pyramid and attempt to eat a balanced meal three times a day.

Proper men's health has much to do with getting balanced nutrition. Many of the sicknesses and illnesses men face today stem from improper nutrition. A steady diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein will provide men with the fuel they need to stay health and active.