Safeguard your heart’s future with an annual Well Man check

Are you 40 years and above, have you had your Well Man check?

Black men are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease(CVD) like Heart Attack and Stroke

What increases the risk of cardiovascular heart disease?
A risk factor is something that increases the chance of getting a condition
There are several risk factors for CVD, including:

• stress
• alcohol
• high blood pressure
• high blood cholesterol
• being physically inactive
• being overweight or obese
• diabetes
• family history of heart disease
• ethnic background
• sex — men are more likely to get CVD earlier than women
• age — the older you are, the more likely you are to get CVD.

To reduce your risk of developing CVD ,you have to engage in healthy lifestyle like exercising at least 30 minutes a day,engaging in healthy eating,quitting smoking if you smoke and limiting your alcohol consumption to no more than 3 units a day.

Evidence has shown that the Well Man Check is a great test for men of all ages. It is an excellent starter test to establish base levels of many important health markers which can then be actively monitored for changes. Men are encouraged to engage in yearly check-ups, especially the over 40's.
Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life.

The well man check if done could help you reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Annual Well Man Check includes the following:

• Full blood count FBC
  * Serum lipid profile
  * Kidney Function
  *Liver Function
  * Proteins
  *Gout — uric acid
  * Diabetes — HbAic
  * Iron status
  * Heart disease risk — HDL percentage of total
  * BP measurement
  *Eye check
  *Bladder and Prostate checks
  Men are also advised to see the doctor if they have symptoms of urinary urgency, painful urination, incomplete voiding, blood in the urine or restricted flow of urine.
  Some clinicians advise men who are 40 and above to undertake a prostate specific antigen test (PSA).
  For more information on PSA, please click on link below
  https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/…/psa-test

Adaku Efuribe is a Clinical Pharmacist & Global Medicines Management Consultant