Every year, most men schedule an annual physical with their doctor. It is a chance for them to talk about health and wellness and get the necessary tests done that may be needed. However, not all signs of illness or injury will show up on this yearly visit. There are many warning signs that can happen in between these annual visits that men should take seriously and seek medical attention right away if they notice it happening. In this blog post, we discuss some of those warning signs so you know what to look out for!
We're not just talking about cold and flu or accidents that require immediate care. There are unfortunately a lot of things that may be easy to ignore but these symptoms may be an indicator of something greater that is developing.
As a busy person, it's easy to forget about a little thing that's been bothering you. However, it is extremely common for more serious illnesses to begin with modest symptoms, which, if detected early enough, allows for a more straightforward diagnosis and treatment. It really is possible that neglecting symptoms could lead to serious health problems in the future. That is why we have created a list of symptoms that you should not ignore in order to ensure that your life is as healthy as possible.
A Chronic Cough
This time of year, coughs and colds are common, but if they don't go away or get worse, you should see your doctor. Your cough may just be taking a bit longer to go away because of your age, weight, environment, and other variables. Bronchitis, asthma, COPD, and even cancer can all be signs of a long-lasting cough. The sooner you see your doctor, the sooner you'll be able to begin treatments, which will improve your prognosis!
Fluttering Of The Heart
There are numerous reasons why you might feel your heart flutter:
- Excitement
- Anticipation
- Anxiety
- Exercise
However, the cause of your heart fluttering or 'missing a beat' may not always be as obvious as the ones listed above. There are many early warning signs of fatal cardiac problems, including a rapid heartbeat. Your Dr will be able to check observations that could be causing it, like your lifestyle choices. For example, if you drink alcohol regularly, this could be an underlying reason. Your GP can help with this issue, but if you’re struggling to stop drinking, you should look into rehab centers to help kick the addiction and get your life back on track.
Fast And Unintended Weight Loss
Fast and unintended weight loss might be a godsend for some. Even if you are obese, losing weight in this manner is not good, especially if it is not planned. Rapid and sudden weight loss may be indicative of more significant health problems, such as diabetes. Your doctor may order blood tests to see if you have diabetes if you've lost over 10% of your body mass in the last 6 months without making an effort.
Changes In Bowel Or Bladder Movements
It is not uncommon to contract a stomach virus around this time of year, in a manner similar to that of the common cold. If you have unusual bladder or bowel motions more frequently than usual, this could be an indication of something more serious, such as colon cancer or liver failure. It may not be pleasant to have your intimate areas examined, but it is necessary to ensure that the problems you are experiencing are not a sign of something much more serious.
Chronic Headaches
Headaches often don't seem like a big deal, but if they are chronic and constant rather than one-time occurrences, you should get them checked out. Depending on what's causing your headaches, it can indicate everything from dehydration to tumors in the brain.
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks or so, it is time to go see your doctor. Waiting could lead to more serious health problems down the road, so don't hesitate! Your health depends on it!
Unexpected Swelling, Especially in Hands and Feet
Unexpected swelling, especially in hands and feet, can be a sign of heart disease. This is one of the most common signs that men experience when it comes to a warning about their health. Trust us! If you have been experiencing unusual swelling for more than two weeks or so, do not hesitate – go see your doctor as soon as possible!
Dizziness Or Vertigo
Dizziness or vertigo can be caused by a number of things, such as high blood pressure, ear infection, Meniere's disease, and even tumors. If you are feeling dizzy or lightheaded more often than usual – especially when standing up – it is time to see your doctor. These symptoms should not be ignored!
Vision Changes
Blurred vision, seeing spots or flashes of light, and changes in the color of your vision could all be signs that you have developed a serious eye condition and should see your ophthalmologist. Even if these symptoms only occur once in a while, it is still important to get them checked out as soon as possible because they may indicate something more serious like glaucoma.
Mental Health Issues including Strange, fleeting thoughts
Finally, symptoms aren't always physical; they might also be mental. Having mental health issues can lead to bizarre behaviors that are harmful to your health, such as attempting suicide. If you're experiencing ideas that are out of the ordinary for you, you should seek immediate medical attention to avoid a much more serious problem.
What Are Some Other Symptoms To Look Out For?
If you feel any pain or discomfort anywhere else on the body (like unexplained joint pain), don’t wait - consult with your physician immediately! Even if you think there isn't anything wrong with you, take our advice: better safe than sorry. It might turn out to be nothing serious after all. However, once caught early enough treatment will ensure that your health stays on track!
These are just a few of the signs that men should see their doctor and not wait for an annual physical. For more information, please consult with your family physician. Remember, early detection is key to preventing serious health complications in the future! Thank you for reading!
If you are a man and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, do not wait for an annual physical to go see your doctor. Go now!
