At-Home Tests to Monitor Men's Vitality

With the pandemic keeping many men home, some haven’t set foot in a doctor’s office in quite a while. But there are a number of free self-tests that men can do to measure their vitality and determine if a trip to the doctor’s office is needed.

Heart-rate recovery is a vital sign of health. The body’s ability to bring oxygen to muscles is a powerful predictor of how long one will live. Immediately after vigorous exercise, check your heart rate. Then check again after one minute. A difference of 20 beats per minute or more means good heart health. 

Sit-to-stand agility can also indicate longevity. Start with 10 points. Sit on the floor cross-legged and then stand back up. Subtract a point every time a hand, knee, forearm, or side of the leg is used to help. This indicates risk of muscle imbalances, mobility issues, and falls. Researchers found that those who scored 0 to 3 were five to six times more likely to die over the next six years as those who scored 8 to 10.

Since the blood vessels in the penis are the smallest in the body, morning erections are a good indicator that blood is circulating properly. Upon waking, note whether or not your penis is strong enough for sex. If it is not, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes may be indicated.

Semen quality is a good indicator of urinary and reproductive health. Keep an eye out once a week for changes in color, smell, or volume to monitor for any potential problems such as irritation or gland irregularities.

Although overuse of alcohol does not promote good health, some research indicates that an alcoholic drink a day may have some health benefits.

Having a positive outlook on life and stable emotional health has an enormous impact on health and longevity. Finding a sense of awe can reduce stress and anxiety. Researchers in the field of vitality suggest asking yourself at the end of each day what was awesome and trying to look for the awesome in everything you do.