Thanks to modern day science, a vast amount of information on illness and disease is available. Each year, more information is uncovered that helps us prevent ailments, cure sickness, and heal. Today, doctors can detect many illnesses at a very early stage, and prevent them from becoming serious. Despite our ability to prevent the development of certain fatal diseases (such as cardiovascular disease), many people still suffer from them.  While high blood pressure can be diagnosed through a simple test and prevented through healthy lifestyle choices, Americans have a 90% risk of developing high blood pressure during their life time. More than half of all Americans over the age of 60 have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. High blood pressure affects both sexes, but men are more likely to develop it earlier in life.

• High blood pressure increases risk of heart attack, stroke, and congestive heart failure
• In 2009, high blood pressure was listed as the primary cause of death of 61,762 Americans

Why risk it? Blood pressure can be easily tested during a regular visit to the doctor.

This, along with other life threatening conditions, can easily be solved when detected early. Detection can help save your life, or the life of a loved one. Men’s Health Network encourages both men and women to visit the doctor in June. June is Men’s Health Month.

Get checked! Men should…

• Test their blood pressure every year
• Have a TB skin test done every 5 years
• Get regular physical examinations
• Get a tetanus booster every 10 years
• Receive a rectal exam (colonoscopy) annually
• Have their blood evaluated for PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) to detect prostate cancer
• Perform self examinations at leave once a month (check for lumps on testicles and look for signs of skin and oral cancer (moles, freckles, lesions in the mouth)
• Get checks for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) on a yearly basis

Do you measure up? Use this checklist to determine if you are due for an examination (click for full size).

Woman may refer to this checklist (click for full size):

Find natural ways to promote health in our Men’s Health section.  For more specific information on herbs that support men’s health, read this blog post.