This is mainly for the older males here, but applies to everyone.
I turned 50 earlier this year, but back in Oct last year I went to the doc for a problem with my right thumb (hurts all the time, and occassionally flares up to extreme). I was getting fed up after about a year of this.
He said "bad luck; arthritis, take green-lipped mussell extract tablets and have a good life". Almost a quote by the way! (arthritis runs in my family too)
Anyway, I take them each day and they do actually provide some relief.
But that's not the point of this thread. While I was there, he said because I was about to turn 50, do yourself a favour and get all you blood tests done and have a Prostate Check when you come back with the blood results.
So, I finally got the blood tests done - they took 6 samples, it was easy and all over in about 5 minutes at the local Gribbles Lab.
I then booked in to see the doc a week later (they need time to get him the results), and the diagnosis came back that I was in pretty good health. Most things normal.
I also had the Prostate check, which is undignified, but all over in about 10 seconds, and - as far as he can tell- no problems there.
But here was the part that was a shock; my cholestorol level was 5.8%, which is a smidgeon high in his book. He wasn't too worried, but wants it to come down.
It was a shock because I have a pretty good diet, exercise, don't smoke, almost no junk or deep fried food (a few grogs), and am not overweight. In general, a fairly healthy life until this point.
Main cuplrits would be full-cream dairy foods and processed meats like ham and salami, I'd say.
So, this is my attempt at a warning for you guys; don't rest on your laurels and think you are healthy; if you are approaching 50 get the health check done.
For the young'uns; start living healthy right now of you don't already. Don't think it won't happen to you - especially if there is a history in the family.
I turned 50 earlier this year, but back in Oct last year I went to the doc for a problem with my right thumb (hurts all the time, and occassionally flares up to extreme). I was getting fed up after about a year of this.
He said "bad luck; arthritis, take green-lipped mussell extract tablets and have a good life". Almost a quote by the way! (arthritis runs in my family too)
Anyway, I take them each day and they do actually provide some relief.
But that's not the point of this thread. While I was there, he said because I was about to turn 50, do yourself a favour and get all you blood tests done and have a Prostate Check when you come back with the blood results.
So, I finally got the blood tests done - they took 6 samples, it was easy and all over in about 5 minutes at the local Gribbles Lab.
I then booked in to see the doc a week later (they need time to get him the results), and the diagnosis came back that I was in pretty good health. Most things normal.
I also had the Prostate check, which is undignified, but all over in about 10 seconds, and - as far as he can tell- no problems there.
But here was the part that was a shock; my cholestorol level was 5.8%, which is a smidgeon high in his book. He wasn't too worried, but wants it to come down.
It was a shock because I have a pretty good diet, exercise, don't smoke, almost no junk or deep fried food (a few grogs), and am not overweight. In general, a fairly healthy life until this point.
Main cuplrits would be full-cream dairy foods and processed meats like ham and salami, I'd say.
So, this is my attempt at a warning for you guys; don't rest on your laurels and think you are healthy; if you are approaching 50 get the health check done.
For the young'uns; start living healthy right now of you don't already. Don't think it won't happen to you - especially if there is a history in the family.