Here’s How to Stay Healthy In Every Decade of Your Life
Because (if nothing else) she likes a man who takes care of himself, you need to take care of yourself. Taking the reins of your own health is a no-brainer because, just like a finely tuned automobile, you need regular maintenance – and, more specifically, regular preventative maintenance. Memorize this checklist:
In Your 20s
With ramping up your sexual activity should come regular screening for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. This is most important if you have multiple partners or a new partner and if you are not wearing protection at all times. And while we’re there, check for lumps with a monthly testicular self exam. Do this in the shower, not at work or on the bus.
In Your 30s
Things get more complicated when you hit your thirties, as regular screenings for cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension needs to be scheduled. Have your blood pressure checked every two years (unless you have abnormal findings). This is also the time of your life to get into the habit of regular exercise to help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
In Your 40s
Forty should see your first prostate exam (because all the Movember moustaches in the world won’t be able to help you if you neglect to monitor it). As well, a focal occult blood test screening for colorectal cancer, while it sounds both mysterious and vile, could save your life.
In Your 50s
Fifty is the magic number for your first colonoscopy, if you’ve managed to avoid that so far. Sure, it’s not the most fun way to spend a morning, but it beats colon cancer. Also by 50, you really have to adopt a more body-is-the-temple approach to life, and say goodbye to cigarettes and other pollutants if you haven’t already.
In Your 60s
It’s best at this age to just try not to die – or shrink. Keep a watchful eye on every aspect of your health. This is when all your risk factors increase for heart disease and stroke, etc. So, as your body starts to fail you, it is extra-important to maintain muscle mass. Keep as active and eat as healthfully as humanly possible.
