PHOTO BY ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
Prostate abnormalities
The prostate is walnut-sized gland that produces the milky substance that transport male sex cells, sperm. This gland may become inflamed (prostatis): become enlarged (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or develop a malignant tumour (prostate cancer). The two screening tests for prostate abnormalities are a blood test known as the PSA (the prostate specific antigen) and the digital rectal examination (the insertion of a finger, by the medical practitioner, in the rectum to examine the prostate).
Blood pressure
An annual blood pressure check is recommended. Hypertension or high blood pressure is usually defined by a reading of 140/90 or higher, normal blood pressure is defined by a reading less than 130/85 based on Caribbean regional guidelines. There have been some international revision of these guidelines (JNC 7).
Heart disease
The Heart Foundation of Jamaica recommends regular screening tests for heart disease. The ECG (electrocardiogram) test measures the electrical signals that control the rhythm of your heartbeat. It does not predict whether a person will have a heart attack but shows evidence of heart enlargement; inadequate blood flow to the heart; injury to the heart, inflammation and changes in electrical activity.
Colon cancer
The screening tests for colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) are designed to pick up polyps and remove them before they become cancerous. Men 50 years and older (or earlier when there is a family history of colon cancer) are advised to start taking these tests and then continue to do them at regular intervals.
Cholesterol levels
High blood cholesterol levels increase the risk for life-threatening illnesses such as coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke. Medical practitioners recommend a regular blood test to measure total cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and triglyceride levels.
Obesity
Being obese puts men at risk for many chronic, lifestyle diseases. The healthy lifestyle survey (2000) pointed out that central obesity (big bellies) puts men at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases. If the man's waist measures more than 94 cm or 38 inches, the risk for disease process increases significantly.
Check for diabetes
The Ministry of Health's healthy lifestyle survey (2000) indicated that diabetes was prevalent in 6.3 per cent of men and eight per cent of women in Jamaica. Regular screening for diabetes is recommended by the Diabetes Association of Jamaica through an annual blood test to determine blood glucose levels.
