Men over 50 are cherished members of society. Just like the super-competitive, and, barefooted dad in this picture (racing his younger children), we want to keep our warriors healthy and active. You should follow up with your doctor to make certain that you have taken these 5 tests: PSA, cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels.

PSA: PSA is a blood test for prostate cancer. Men over 50 need to get this test because prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. The PSA test can help find cancers at an early stage, when they are easier to treat. African-American men should consider testing between the ages of 40 and 60 years old. Overall, African American men are 1.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with—and 2.2 times more likely to die from—prostate cancer than white men.

Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a type of fat that can build up in the walls of arteries. It is important to test your cholesterol levels because it could lead to stroke or heart disease if not monitored. Even though you may be eating healthy, men over 50 tend to have high cholesterol without any previous knowledge!

Cholesterol Testing: The best way for most people with no health problems to find out their cholesterol levels is by having a blood test done. There are different types of cholesterol tests, but the most common one is called a lipid profile.

Blood Pressure: Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries as it circulates through your body. High blood pressure can damage your heart, brain, and kidneys. Men over 50 are most at risk for high blood pressure because of their age!

Blood Pressure Testing: A doctor will typically monitor your blood pressure by taking multiple measurements with a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) on both arms while you rest quietly for about five minutes. You can also purchase a blood pressure monitor to keep track of your numbers at home.

Glucose Levels: Glucose is a type of sugar in the blood. It is important for people with diabetes to test their glucose levels regularly because high blood sugar can damage your body over time.

Diabetes Testing: People with diabetes should test their blood sugar levels two or more times a day. You can do this by pricking your finger with a lancing device and putting the blood on a glucose strip, which will give you a reading.

If you have not had these tests done recently, it is important to follow up with your doctor! These tests can help prevent health problems down the road.

Your tribe will thank you!

African Americans and Prostate Cancer | ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer (zerocancer.org)