While the life-expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, it's no secret that men still need to pay more attention to their bodies. Several things work against men. They tend to smoke and drink more than women. They don't seek medical help as often as women. Some men define themselves by their work, which can add to stress.

There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many of the major health risks that men face — like colon cancer or heart disease — can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. It's important to have regular checkups and screenings.

The most important things you can do to stay healthy are:

• Get recommended screening tests
• Be tobacco free
• Be physically active
• Eat a healthy diet
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Take preventive medicines if you need them
  
  

Ongoing tests you may want to speak to your QLMC doctor about:

• Cardiovascular Screening
• Colorectal cancers screening
• Prostate exam and PSA test
• Flu Shot
• Bone mass measurement
• Diabetes screen (if you have symptoms)
• Glaucoma
• Hypertension screening
• Cholesterol and blood screens
• Body Mass Index analysis (BMI)
• Nutritional counseling

PROSTATE

It is recommended that men beginning at the age of 50 have a prostate exam and PSA blood test every 2 years.

The prostate is made up of about 30% muscular tissue; the rest is glandular tissue.

By age 70, almost all men have some enlargement of the prostate. If the prostate grows too large, it may press against the urethra and make the flow of urine weaker or slower.

An increase in the size of the prostate or a change in urine flow does not necessarily mean you have cancer; you may have a different condition such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis.




ED (ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to maintain a firm erection long enough to have sex. Although erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, this common problem can occur at any age. Having trouble maintaining an erection from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. But if the problem is ongoing, it can cause stress and relationship problems and affect self-esteem

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction are the inability to have an erection or to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse at least 25 percent of the time. There are pharmaceutical and medical treatments available for ED disorder.




LOW TESTOSTERONE

Low testosterone, medically known as hypogonadism, occurs when a man doesn’t produce enough of the hormone testosterone. Testosterone naturally decreases as a man ages but even younger men in their 30’s or 40’s can have low testosterone.

Symptoms of low testosterone:

• Low sexual Desire
• Low Energy or fatigue
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Bad Mood or poor concentration
• Reduced Muscle mass
• Reduced Strength
• Increased body fat

If you are diagnosed your doctor may recommend a series of various replacement treatments