On average, men visit their doctor less frequently than women. More often than not, they would see the doctor only if they’re sick already or when symptoms persist and are already affecting their quality of life.
To help avoid any severe health conditions from reaching an advanced stage without a proper diagnosis, we’ve listed five signs of health conditions common to men that you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Shortness of breath and chest pain
If you haven’t exercised for a while, that would be one of the possible reasons why taking stairs instead of the elevator got you running out of breath. But regardless of your fitness level, shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain or pressure may be an early sign for heart and lung-related diseases.
2. Unintended weight loss
Unless you’re actively working out 2-3 times a week to cut down some weight, unintended and sudden weight loss may be something you should be looking out for. It may be an early sign of severe illnesses like cancer or diabetes. If you aren’t on any fitness program and suddenly lost a lot of weight, it’s essential to let your doctor know to identify the underlying issue.
3. Frequent urination
Find yourself needing the bathroom more frequently? It could be a sign of diabetes, prostate problems, or prostate enlargement among older men. Although it’s common and may just be a urinary tract infection, don’t ignore this symptom, especially if it persists and if there’s blood in your urine.
4. Breast lumps
While breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than in men, men still can develop breast cancer─especially men aging between 60-70 yrs old. If you feel a lump or thickening tissue in your breast, or if there’s a sore or rash around your nipple that does not go away, it’s best to get yourself checked.
5. Chronic fatigue
It’s normal to feel drained every once in a while, especially after a long day. More often than not, you’ll be able to recover right away with some quality sleep. However, if you still feel tired or drained after getting enough rest and it’s frequently happening to the point that it affects your daily life, you should seek medical assistance. Fatigue can come off as a vague symptom, but it is something you definitely shouldn’t ignore. Here are some of the health conditions associated with chronic fatigue:
- Anemia
- Sleep apnea
- Insulin Resistance
- Thyroid disease
- Low testosterone
Reminder
Many major health risks that men face – like colon cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, or heart disease – can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests can find conditions early when they are easier to treat.
For more information or to book a complete Comprehensive Assessment, please call the office at (613) 592-0862.
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