DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My husband recently turned 49 and we’re wondering if he should have an annual health check now or wait until his milestone birthday next year. He’s generally healthy and we follow a Mediterranean diet and exercise together regularly. However, he hasn’t seen a doctor in years due to moving right before the COVID-19 pandemic. What are your thoughts?
ANSWER:
As men age, even those in good health can experience symptoms that impact their quality of life. I strongly recommend establishing care with a general health specialist and scheduling annual check-ups to ensure optimal health. A well-check visit can help assess your husband’s risk for specific conditions and determine if any screenings or tests are necessary. Additionally, it provides a safe space to discuss any early symptoms or concerns that your husband may not be comfortable talking to you about.
Here are some common symptoms or issues that affect men’s health:
1. Urological symptoms and sexual health: Frequent urination could indicate prostate, bladder, or diabetes problems. Painful or difficult urination should also be evaluated. Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of heart trouble, as there may be issues with blood vessels throughout the body. Testicular exams are essential to detect any lumps or abnormalities.
2. Musculoskeletal health: Exercise can help relieve stress, but increased pain during physical activity may indicate underlying musculoskeletal conditions. If your husband experiences more aches and pains than usual or a diminished exercise capacity, it could be related to muscle wasting or inflammatory issues. Screening for osteoarthritis and rheumatic diseases is recommended, especially if there’s a family history.
3. Respiratory health and sleep: Fatigue, shortness of breath during exercise, chronic cough, or other respiratory symptoms should be evaluated. Conditions like adult-onset asthma or COVID-related problems should be considered. Snoring and breathing interruptions during sleep may suggest sleep apnea or other respiratory issues. Poor sleep quality is linked to various health problems, such as high blood pressure, increased stroke risk, memory issues, anxiety, depression, and weight gain.
4. Ear, nose, and throat health: Tinnitus, hearing asymmetry, ear pain, and chronic sore throats, especially in smokers or those with white mouth lesions, should be checked for throat cancers. Chronic nasal congestion may indicate nasal polyps. Difficulty breathing through one nostril or a sensation of something caught in the throat can be signs of other issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease.
5. Mental health: Mental health often gets overlooked, particularly among men. It’s essential to address both mental and physical well-being, especially given the current high-stress environment, regardless of your husband’s profession.
In addition to the above, it’s recommended to consider reviewing conditions like diabetes and cholesterol levels during an annual checkup. Depending on family history, screening for prostate and colon cancer may also be worthwhile. It’s always wise for men to mention any new or different symptoms, as being proactive about one’s health is crucial.
— Dr. Vikas Mehta, General Medicine, Mayo Clinic Healthcare, London
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