By Richard Wetaya

30 year old Opio Moses took his first blood pressure and diabetes health

tests a fortnight ago at AAR Bugolobi clinic.
Opio says he waited with bated breath to hear his results “The results eventually showed i had a clean bill of health. I was nervous however as i waited for the doctors to hand me my results. The Doctors advised me to take screenings for other health conditions frequently. I now have a personal quick reference checklist for the health tests, i intend to take next month the subsequent months,” Opio says

Doctor John Bwanika of the Medical Concierge group, Kampalasays regular health tests for men are an important means of detecting and warding off diseases.

“Regular health tests should be an integral part of every man’s health care. They ensure that one will enjoy the best possible health. What you do not know can hurt you, so go for early health tests even if you do not suspect any illness. The earlier diseases are diagnosed, the greater the probability that they will be forestalled through early treatment or through lifestyle changes,” Bwanika says


An old French proverb states that a healthy man is a successful man. It therefore makes a whole lot of sense for every man in this day and age to stay on top of their health.

Drawing up a checklist for must have regular health tests is a step in the right direction, Doctor Fredrick Womudenyi of Bumboi Health center, Mbale says

 

MUST HAVE MEDICAL TESTS FOR MEN.

 

WHAT SHOULD BE ON EVERY MAN’S CHECKLIST

BLOOD PRESSURE

 

According to Ministry of health statistics, about 30% of Uganda’s adult population has high blood pressure. Hypertension is a silent disease which shows no symptoms. About 80% of Ugandans affected by it are not aware of its symptoms or its complications. That manifests why it is very important for every adult male to have their blood pressure taken periodically as a preventive measure.  
Bwanika saysmen of all ages should have blood pressure checks at least once every year. “Blood pressure is a condition that knows no boundaries. It affects babies, children, teenagers, young adults, older adults as well as elders. If one’s blood pressure continues to rise for a long time without treatment, one’s heart has to work extra harder than it should to pump blood. This can result in heart disease, strokes or kidney failure,” Bwanika says

If you go for a blood pressure test, make sure the people carrying out the test are not using an automated blood pressure machine however.
“Automated blood pressure machines are often inaccurate. Blood pressure fluctuates, so a single reading should not be interpreted as being hypertension. Hypertension is blood pressure consistently above 140/90. Normal blood pressure is lower than 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).  Every time you visit a medical doctor, get a blood pressure evaluation. If your numbers are above 125/80, it is best to check your blood pressure every year. Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy 110/75 mm Hg or less is very important,” Womudenyi says

 

CHOLESTEROL

 

A person with high cholesterol is regarded as a potential candidate for heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure and artery hardening diseases like arthrosclerosis. A blood cholesterol test is good because it gives your doctor important information about your risk for cardiovascular disease (diseases of the heart and its arteries).
“Men should have their cholesterol levels checked at least every 3 years between the ages of 20-30 and then every 2 years between the ages of 30 and 40. And every year after the age of 40,” Bwanika says
Normal levels of cholesterol vary between 150-200 mg. Adoctor may recommend more frequent tests if your total cholesterol level is 200 mg/dl or higher and if you areolder than 45 years. Lowering your cholesterol through an improved low fat diet and lifestyle will significantly reduce the odds of getting heart disease and other diseases associated with high body cholesterol, Womudenyi says

 

HIV

 

According to Ministry of Health statistics, about 7.2% of Uganda’s population isliving with HIV. This amounts to around 1.4 million people. The figures of Ugandan males living with HIV unknowingly are not readily available but it is a known fact that many Ugandans live with HIV unaware that they have it because they do not subscribe to the idea of getting tested for it.
“Anyone above age 18 and sexually active should get tested frequently for HIV, even if they think they are not at risk. Men with multiple sexual partners should know it is incumbent upon them to test often. They owe it to themselves and their families. Getting tested regularly should be a precept for every man. It should be part of one’s regular medical care,” Womudenyi says

 

MUST HAVE HEALTH TESTS FOR MEN IN THEIR 40’S AND 50’S

DIABETES

 

Over 4 million Ugandans are diabetic, according to World health organization estimates. Often referred to as the prosperity disease, diabetes like many other deadly illnesses needs early interventions. One of the best early interventions is getting an early diabetic test, although statistics in Uganda show that few Ugandans go for diabetic tests. The Majority always go for diabetic testing when it is too late.
 “Diabetes can occur in all age groups. The greatest incidences however occur in middle aged or older aged persons. Men aged 40 years or older and overweight should consider getting tested for type 2 diabetes every 3 years. If blood sugar levels are in the normal levels, it is reasonable to have tests every 3 years. Prediabetics should consider taking tests for type 2 diabetes every 1 to 2 years to prevent full blown diabetes,” Womudenyi explains

 

COLON CANCER

 

Womudenyi says colon cancer testing is also very important for men in their 40’s and 50’s.  Colon cancer is according to World health organization statistics, the third leading cause of cancer deaths among men, world over. If detected early however,chances of survival are high.
“Men between the age of 40 and 50should take the Hemoccult test every year. This test screens one’s stool for microscopic amounts of blood that can be the first indication of polyps or colon cancer,” Bwanika says

 

PROSTATE CANCER

 

Adult African men, especially those between the age of 45- 50, owe it to themselves to frequently take prostate specific antigen tests. These tests which should be carried out every year are invaluable in detecting prostate cancer.
Recent Scientific research has shown that men of African descent are particularly at a greater risk of prostate cancer than any other race.
“A big number of adult Ugandan males are not aware of this condition. Few take the early urinary symptoms serious. It explains why over 60-80% present with very advanced prostate cancer when they report to hospital,” Kampala based consultant Urologist, Stephen Watya says
Statistics from the Uganda Cancer Institute show that Cancer of the prostate is now the most common among Ugandan men, with age standardized incidence rates of 39.6 per 100,000 per annum.

 

BONE MINERAL DENSITY FOR BONES

 

All men aged 70 and above should have their bone mineral density tested. “Bone mineral density is a measurement of the concentration in bones of minerals vital for strong bones. A high bone mineral density test means above average amounts of calcium, which is a pivotal nutrient for healthy bones. A low bone mineral density can mean a loss of bone mass due to diseases like osteoporosis.
“The human body needs more calcium than any other mineral. To have healthy bones as you age, eat calcium rich foods such as milk, eggs, vegetables and fish,” Womudenyi adds

 

HEART RHYMTH TESTS

 

It is also advisable for all adult men to have anelectrocardiogram test.  “This is a painless test that determines if the rhythm of one’s heart is normal. It determines if the heart’s chambers are enlarged or under strain. A doctor will be able to determine if one’s heart is getting enough blood after this test. A doctor will also be able to establish if one has ever had a heart attack or heart disease after this test,” Bwanika says

BODY MASS INDEX

 

A regular body mass index test is also invaluable. It measures your health based on your height to weight ratio. It is also a measure of obesity.

“If one’s body mass index is high, there is an increased risk of developing diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and high cholesterol,” Womudenyi says

OTHER WORTHWHILE TESTS

Adult men should as well complete regular monthly self examinations of their testicles, mouth and skins, checking for lumps, lesions, changing moles, freckles and other abnormal growths. A urinalysis to screen or test for diseases or infections of the urinary tract and testosterone screenings are also important.
Men should bear in mind that early proactiveness is pivotal in keeping diseases at bay, Bwanika says


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