Regularly checking up on health is important for maintaining well-being and catching potentially harmful conditions early. For men, there’s a range of health concerns that become more prevalent with age, including prostate and testicular cancer.
With Men’s Health Awareness Month kicking off this week, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy has revealed the ‘Health MOT’ every man should carry out periodically to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Grant said: “When it comes to men’s health, there’s a variety of routine checks they should be carrying out, at home or with a licensed GP, to catch potential deadly conditions as early as possible. With November marking Men’s Health Awareness Month, let’s take a look at the ‘health MOT’ men can complete to stay on top of their well-being.

Checking testicles
“Testicular cancer can impact any man of any age, but it’s more prominent in white men aged 18-45. I cannot stress enough the importance of a monthly self-assessment. To check for lumps, first check for any signs of swelling in the scrotum before assessing each testicle by gently rolling it between the finger and thumb, feeling for any lumps.
“If an individual feels a lump or notices any changes in testicle size, it’s important to seek urgent medical attention. Blood tests can be taken to properly diagnose the issue as testicular cancer.

Monitoring cholesterol levels

“Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for reducing the risk of developing heart disease or stroke. Everyone has two types of cholesterol; high and low-density lipoprotein (HDL & LDL). HDL is proven to lower the risk of heart disease while LDL can have the opposite effect, clogging arteries and reducing blood flow.
“Men can carry out at-home finger-prick tests, giving them an accurate read of their cholesterol. Additionally, a GP can carry out a blood test and send the sample away for further analysis.

Examining blood pressure

“Diagnosing high blood pressure early is important for avoiding life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and strokes. High blood pressure is often symptomless, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring, allowing men to avoid a further reduction in health.
“To monitor blood pressure levels, a monitor can be used at home or at the doctor’s, providing a quick and accurate reading. The test consists of wearing a cuff and recording the systolic pressure once it’s inflated and deflated. For the most accurate results, check at the same time each day and always do the test more than once to validate the results.

Checking for prostate cancer

“The risk of developing prostate cancer rises as men get older, with most people diagnosed at age 50 or over. Despite this, it can still occur at any time, meaning regular checks are essential for men’s well-being.
“Unfortunately, testing for prostate cancer at home is quite difficult and it’s ultimately easier to book a consultation with a doctor for a more accurate result. They will test by completing a physical rectal exam – inserting a finger into the rectum to feel for swelling.

Measuring eye health

“Testing vision is not limited to the optician visits and can be easily measured at home using an eye chart or vision test – available online. The eye charts are effective for charting vision loss while online tests are a great way of quickly checking for astigmatism and light sensitivity.
“For further analysis, men can book an optician appointment, but eye health can be easily monitored at home, allowing people to spot changes in their vision before it gets dramatically worse.
“Overall, with Men’s Health Awareness Month taking place throughout November, it’s a reminder of how important it is to regularly carry out these health examinations. Men can quickly identify and catch dangerous conditions early, giving them the best chance at making a full recovery.”