Posted on June 19, 2023
Feature from the US Preventative Medicine website.
During the month of June, it is important to spread the word about the many preventable health problems men face and empower them to take steps toward a longer, healthier, and happier life. The men’s health statistics and facts speak for themselves.
The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to change those statistics by focusing on prevention through regular check-ups, nutrition, and exercise.
Men are more likely to be uninsured and half as likely to visit the doctor as women. The reasons why men are less likely to seek both urgent and preventive medical care vary.
If you can’t remember your last physical or if your gut feeling says something is off, it is time to do something about it. Follow these steps to improve your well-being and prolong your life:
The good news is it’s never too late to start taking better care of your health.
Follow these steps, encourage other men to do the same, and set a good example for the next generation.
Many people think of the doctor as someone to see when they are sick. Doctors also provide services to keep you from getting sick in the first place. The first step is to choose a primary care provider. See your primary care provider proactively to complete annual physicals and screenings. You should also keep your flu shots and vaccinations up to date.
Be sure to visit the medical clinic for regular check-ups even if you feel fine. Some diseases don’t have symptoms at first. Seeing your healthcare provider will give you a chance to catch diseases early and learn more about your health.
Don’t be embarrassed to talk about your health. Before you go to the clinic, start by talking to family members to learn which diseases run in your family. Share this information with your provider. This will help the doctor determine what screenings to do and health risks to watch for.
Medical screenings are tests healthcare providers use to check for diseases and health conditions before there are any signs or symptoms. Screenings help find problems early, when they may be easier to treat. If you are a member of a high-risk group or have a family history of disease, you should talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits of earlier screenings.
Much like a vehicle maintenance schedule, certain check-ups and screenings need to take place as you age. Some tests will be done yearly, and others will need to be completed at certain age milestones. Your primary care provider will determine the right frequency for you. Download the entire Get it Checked checklist.
More than half of men’s premature deaths are preventable. You can’t prevent something you don’t know exists. Most people don’t enjoy going to a medical clinic or being poked and prodded for medical tests, but making this a part of your routine could extend your life.
Every year, more than 300,000 men in the United States lose their lives to cancer. You should talk to your healthcare provider about your risk for each type of cancer and the recommended screenings based on your health needs. The most common kinds of cancer among men in the US are:
As with most things, the results of specific exams are important, but not nearly as important as changes over time. This is why establishing a relationship with your healthcare provider is so important.
Food doesn’t just fuel the body; it can help fight off and prevent disease. Eating healthy means getting enough vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients – and limiting unhealthy foods and drinks. You want to consume the right number of calories, which varies by individual.
Poor diet and lack of physical activity are the most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease, because they often lead to being overweight or obese. To prevent all of the top disease killers of men, you need to avoid meals high in fat, sodium, and sugar.
A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help lower your:
Keeping these numbers down also lowers your risk of serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If you’ve already received a diagnosis, these chronic conditions can be managed by proper nutrition.
At each meal, pay attention to how you feel. You want to eat slow enough to recognize when you feel full. That’s your body’s cue to stop eating. Don’t have seconds unless you’re still hungry. You’ll just be consuming extra calories. It can be hard to make drastic changes to your diet all at once. Formulate a nutrition game plan by implementing these ideas:
Over time, these suggestions will turn into healthy habits in your daily routine. Take a short quiz and receive a personalized daily food plan from MyPlate.
Current physical activity guidelines recommend adults participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. That equals 30 minutes of moderate activity per day. Physical activity helps you feel better, function better, and sleep better. It also reduces anxiety.
Active people generally live longer and are at less risk for serious health problems. For people with chronic diseases, physical activity can help manage these conditions and complications.
Little ways to increase your activity include playing with your kids or grandkids outside or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. If you are a smoker, take a walk instead of having a cigarette. Small changes can add up to big results over time.
Do you have a primary care provider or a medical specialist? Click here to review South Central’s comprehensive list of healthcare services and providers.