Some recent statistics on men’s health in Canada suggest that Canadian men may need to do a better job of taking care of themselves, given that they are more likely to die young or die from preventable or avoidable causes than women, more likely to smoke or drink alcohol, and have higher rates of suicide and accidental deaths.
During this Canadian Men’s Health Awareness month, it’s essential to highlight how one of the most effective ways for men aged 21-49 to safeguard their health is through preventive healthcare and regular screenings.
Understanding Preventive Healthcare For Younger Men
Preventive healthcare involves measures taken to prevent diseases, rather than treating them after they occur. This includes regular check-ups, screenings, vaccinations, and the adoption of healthy lifestyle and behaviours. For younger men, preventive healthcare is a crucial investment in their future well-being. Cancer, heart disease, stroke and suicide are among the leading causes of death for Canadian men under the age of 50.
Preventive healthcare is often undervalued by younger men, but it’s during these years that establishing healthy habits and catching potential issues early can have the biggest impact.
Unlike women, who tend to have more regular checkups due to gynecological needs, men under 50 might neglect doctor visits until a problem arises.
Why Men Aged 21-49 Should Embrace Preventive Care
Younger men often put off checkups and screenings, but these can be the key to a long and healthy life. Regular health screenings can detect potential health issues before they become serious. Conditions like heart diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers can develop silently, without noticeable symptoms. Early detection through screenings often means more effective treatment and better outcomes.
Benefits of Regular Screenings
Early Detection is Key: Many health issues, like heart disease, high blood pressure, and even some cancers, often show no symptoms in their early stages. Regular screenings can catch these problems before they cause serious damage, allowing for early treatment and better outcomes.
Peace of Mind: Uncertainty about your health can be stressful. Screenings can give you peace of mind by establishing a baseline for your health and identifying any potential issues early on.
Live Life to the Fullest: Feeling your best allows you to experience all that life has to offer. Preventive healthcare helps you maintain your energy levels, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and keep you active and engaged in the activities you love.
Set Yourself Up for Success: Healthy habits formed early in life lay the foundation for long-term well-being. Screenings can be a springboard for discussions about healthy lifestyle choices, like diet and exercise, that can benefit you for decades.
What Screenings Should Younger Men Consider?
The specific screenings and tests you need will depend on your age, family history, and lifestyle. However, some common recommendations for young men aged 21-49 include:
Cancer Detection: Routine screenings can detect many types of cancer in their early stages, increasing the chances of successful treatment and better prognosis. Among young men in Canada, common cancers include brain cancer, lung cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, melanoma, and thyroid cancer. Preventive screening tests, such as full-body MRIs, help identify tumors, infections, injuries, and other health conditions
Heart Disease Risk Check: Men under 50 face mortality risks due to coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and other heart-related issues. Detecting these conditions early enables timely intervention and treatment, potentially slowing or preventing disease progression. CT scans provide detailed heart and blood vessel images, aiding in the identification of early signs, including arterial calcium buildup, while a DEXA body composition analysis reveals aortic calcification, serving as a valuable tool for predicting the risk of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Stroke Prevention: Nine out of ten Canadian men exhibit at least one risk factor for stroke or heart disease. Regular or early screening tests can serve as preventive measures to mitigate stroke risks. Brain MRIs can identify aneurysms or arterial bulges associated with hemorrhagic stroke risk
Mental Health Evaluation: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Mental health challenges and stressors significantly contribute to mortality among men in this age group. Prioritizing mental health screenings and comprehensive psychiatric evaluations can play a vital role in suicide prevention strategies amongst younger men.
Conclusion
Preventive healthcare is a powerful tool in maintaining and improving men’s health. That’s why, at InvestMed, our comprehensive approach to men’s healthcare is focused on prevention.
InvestMed offers personalized preventive screenings and tests for men of all ages to potentially prevent developing long-term health conditions as well as identify and treat diseases at an early stage. InvestMed is a multi-unit operation, serving Kelowna, Calgary, and Vancouver.
This Canadian Men’s Health Month, men aged 21-49 can ditch the “grin and bear it” mentality and start taking charge of their health by prioritizing preventive screenings and tests and identify and address health concerns early. Don’t wait – book an appointment with InvestMed today and start living a longer, healthier life!
