Father’s Day: Important health checks for dad
In the quest to finding the right Father’s Day gift for the hero in your life, give the gift of health. With work, family commitments and daily responsibilities, some men tend to selflessly relegate personal needs like health. Let’s keep our fathers stay on the path to good health so we can enjoy many more Father’s Day to come.
Here are some health check-ups for dads:
A PHYSICAL EXAM
A yearly physical exam helps to keep a body in shape, in the same way a routine oil change keeps a car running smoothly. Men aged 30 to 50 should get a physical exam every two to three years while men 50 and older should do it annually.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Truth is, men over the age of 18 should have his blood pressure checked at least once a year. High blood pressure can lead to conditions like stroke while low blood pressure can cause dizziness or fainting spells.
HEARING TEST
Go for a hearing test or audiogram if you father complains of a hearing problem. It’s especially a good idea to get tested if there is family history of hearing loss.
EYE EXAM
An eye exam can also be another alternative to pinpoint other health conditions you father may not be aware of. Men over the age of 40 should go for a comprehensive eye exam every two years.
MOLE SCREENING
To know if one is at risk of developing skin cancer, mole screenings are recommended. A test should be conducted if there are any mole abnormalities like irregular shape or odd colouring.
CHOLESTEROL
Millions of people die every year from heart disease, and one of the major cause of heart disease is cholesterol. Have your father check his blood to test the amount of cholesterol in it to avoid other health implications.
PROSTATE CANCER
With prostate cancer being the second most common cancer among men, screening should be a priority. If prostate cancer is found early, it’s highly treatable.
DENTAL CHECK-UP
We often stress about how kids need regular dental visits, when in reality adults need it too as our teeth and jaw bones become weaker as we age. Men (and women) often suffer from gum disease, loose teeth, or even cavities. Going to the dentist means that the doctor can also check for signs of oral cancer.
DIABETES
Diabetes as we know is an incurable disease. Men with risk factors such as family history of diabetes or overweight should get tested.
MENTAL HEALTH
Dad’s emotional well-being is important too. If you think your dad may be going through some mental health issues, show love and concern. Gift him books or online courses to tackle depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. A therapy session with a professional would also be a great alternative to have his mental health checked.