NHS doctor's five step health MOT all men should carry out to 'avoid dying before retirement'

Every 12 months, your motor needs an MOT to check it's roadworthy and everything is in full working order.

And although you're car might be your pride and joy, it's not more important than the vehicle which gets you through life - your body.

It's easy to brush off aches and pains as you get a bit older, as loads of people simply presume their ailments are just an inevitable part of the ageing process.

Which is why this medic is on a mission to remind us all that prevention is a lot better than cure.

Dr Dave Nichols, an NHS GP and resident doctor at MyHealthChecked, is urging blokes to regularly take an audit of their health, or risk popping their clogs prematurely.

"A man's health check isn't just about fixing problems - it's about preventing them," he said. "Think of it like a car MOT: regular checks keep you running smoother, longer, and safer."

Men's Health Forum has some quite sobering statistics about the mortality rate of fellas, as sadly, one in five die before they ever reach the age of 65 - the year before you qualify for your state pension.

Dr Dave said men need to be carrying out these health MOT's on a regular basis (Getty Stock Image)

So if you want to lead a long and happy life, you've got to start looking after yourself now.

Although you can do this with the help of your GP, you can also use at-home health and wellness tests to keep track of how you're doing too.

Dr Dave believes that 'improving patients’ knowledge is a key feature to enhancing health outcomes', while he also has a 'special interest in sports and exercise medicine', so he certainly knows what he's talking about.

So, let's dig into Dr Dave's top five tips for men wanting to conduct an MOT on their health.

Heart health check

According to the health professional, gents need to be wary of high blood pressure and high cholesterol - especially if there is a history of heart disease in the family.

So, you're best off scrutinising your heart's performance to make sure all you aren't at risk of any of these conditions.

Dr Dave suggests testing your blood pressure and cholesterol each year, which is even more important to keep on top of after you turn 40.

Prostate health

In the UK, prostate cancer is the most common form of the disease found in men, so you need to be keeping a close eye on the walnut-sized gland.

The medic explains fellas should watch out for frequent urination which often comes during the night, experiencing difficulty in starting or stopping peeing, a weak flow, or pain.

Fellas should check in with their GP about getting their prostate checked, but it's a must for those aged over 50, or if there is a family history of prostate cancer.

Mental health screening

Make sure you check in with your GP if you've got any concerns (Getty Stock Image)

Although the physical stuff is important, the mental side of things is equally as crucial to keep on top of.

Given the state of the world and your personal circumstances, you might realise that you've been stuck in a rut of irritability, having sleep issues, a low mood and ongoing stress.

"Don’t bottle things up," Dr Dave said. "Check in with yourself regularly and talk to someone if things feel off."

Testicular health

Taking a regular look at your testicles is a must for men, according to the health professional.

You ought to be self-examining on a monthly basis, Dr Dave says - and there are no excuses, as it's 'quick and could save your life'.

Look out for any unusual changes in shape or size, lumps, bumps or swelling which may have appeared, and get to the doctors if you've got any concerns.

Weight, diet & lifestyle

Treat your body like a temple, Dr Dave says.

Blokes should be aiming to upkeep a balanced diet while enjoying regular exercise, and you should cut down on bad habits like boozing and smoking.

If you spot any sudden weight gain or loss, feel as though you constantly have low energy levels or can't seem to get a good night's sleep, you might want to get a proper MOT off your doctor.

But these at-home tricks could prove invaluable to males when it comes to catching things early.

"Don't wait for warning lights," Dr Dave added. "Book that check-up."

It's doctor's orders, lads.