There isn’t anything as important as your health, but if you neglect yourself and skip out on really simple checks that you can do at home, you never know what you might be missing. It is highly advised that you understand what is normal for you, what things feel like - so that you know when something isn’t quite right.
Here are a few health checks you can do at home to help keep yourself healthy.
Skin
You might not know, but skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer - and most of the time, it can be found from at-home checks. If you have moles, you can keep an eye on them so that you can see if there are any changes. When new moles appear, are crusty or bleeding - head to your doctor and describe the changes.
For those who are quite pale, spend a lot of time outside in the sun, don’t apply sunscreen, or have a lot of moles - you are at a higher risk and need to check yourself regularly.
Blood Sugar
You can buy at-home blood sugar measurement devices, which can help you track changes in your blood sugar. There are a couple of signs of diabetes that you should watch out for:
- Blurred vision and/or headaches
- A dry mouth
- Feeling hungry more often
- Increased thirst
You should head to the doctor if you notice any of these and have a high fasting blood glucose test.
Testicles
It is important that you check your testicles for lumps, bumps, or anything else unusual. When you perform this check regularly, you will be able to spot any changes quickly and ensure that you are booked for a testicular ultrasound scan as soon as possible.
The best way to check is after a warm shower or bath, and use your finger and thumb to pad around the scrotum.
Breast Health
Men still have breast tissue, and breast cancer can and does happen in men too. Using the fingers of your dominant hand, gently make circular motions around the breast, from the nipple outwards. Make sure that you go up into the armpit too.
You can also check the texture of the breast and look for puckering, redness, or dimples.
Blood Pressure Checks
At-home blood pressure devices can help you keep track of your overall health - and they can be one of the first things to alert you to any bigger issues. High blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, and more.
So regularly checking will mean if it is getting higher or has spikes, you can consult your doctor quickly.
The more you know the normal for your body, the more likely you are to be able to notice when something isn’t going well or when something doesn’t feel right. Here are five more ways that you can keep on top of your health: Health Tips for Dads Over 30: How to Stay Healthy and Fit For Your Family.
