Preventive health monitoring and laboratory blood test should be an essential part of you life. Preventive screening are what help us catch issues before they have a chance to take expand in the body. Typically these are simply a visual inspection like a skin cancer screening, or blood tests for inflamantory, PSA, Cholesterol and other issues that may arise.
And Yes.. even if You aren’t bodybuilder we recommend to know how Your hormons levels looks like. Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone and Estrogen levels should be checked frequently. But as we get older there are additional test that we need to have done.So, what are some of these test and when should we have them done. At least every year we should consider having test completed for your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, skin, liver functions, and PSA.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes in men. As bodybuilders and AAS uses, our red blood cell count and typically hematocrit are already elevated. If you are not checking your blood pressure frequently, especially on cycle then you should be. This should not wait for a once-a-year exam. This is something that you can easily do yourself and if you don’t then you have no one but yourself to blame if you stroke out.
Cholesterol
Most medical circle will say that you should have your cholesterol checked every three years, again due to AAS use, and the fact that AAS can have a profound effect on your lipid profile, you should have it done every year if not more often.
Blood Sugar
If you do not already check your blood sugar regularly then you should at least have it done once a year. If you are running HGH you should be checking it frequently, however, if you are not and you opt for the once a year test, then you should have your doctor evaluate you A1C. This blood test will let you know what your blood sugar has done over the past 3 months.
Visual Skin Inspection
Reading through the forums, it is obvious that a high number of us work outside. This exposes us to a greater risk of skin cancer. This can affect men of any age but those that work out side, have had sever sunburns when they were younger, or have a family history of skin cancer are at even greater risk. A dermatologist cn do a visual inspection of your skin and help to determine in a contrary mole or birthmark is becoming or is cancerous. This is really something that you should never put off.
Blood Test
Liver function tests are a standard part of a blood test. This should be done every year. This is especially important if you use oral AAS, are a frequent Tylenol user and/or drink alcohol. This will be especially important if you do two or more of these. It’s a simple test that can provide you with information that can help you to prioritize your lifestyle and make the right decision for your health.
PSA and Prostate
The PSA blood test should be done every year and digital rectal exam for seeing where you stand with your prostate. Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in men, with skin cancer being number one. If you have a family history of prostate cancer or have an unknown family history you should stat getting the PSA exam at 40 years old, otherwise you should start by age 50. Catch it early and save your life.
Summary
This is not to be construed as medical advice. This is my opinion, and I am sharing it with you because if I can put this information out there and help save one life, then it is worth it. Do not wait till it is too late. Have the needed testing done by your Primary Care Physician and take the steps if needed to turn things around. Stay Healthy and Stay Strong.
