June is Men’s Health Awareness Month; it’s a good time to consider the steps men need to take to become and remain healthy.
The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.
Regular check-ups are not just for women, doctors say. Men should visit their primary-care physician at least every year for a complete physical.
With regular check-ups, a patient’s blood pressure, weight, cholesterol and other markers of overall health can be tracked. Check-ups also ensure that screenings are initiated as recommended for colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and other diseases, based on the patient’s individual and family health history.
Doctors also remind that it’s important for men to be proactive about their health. Men are notorious for ignoring unusual symptoms and avoiding the doctor.
Besides seeing the doctor for a regular physical, men should pay attention to other aspects of a healthy life. Here are some tips that every man should follow:
- Get good sleep. Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep. Inadequate sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression.
- Stop using tobacco. Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the U. S. Quitting produces immediate and long-term benefits; it lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other illnesses. Avoid second-hand smoke, which can also cause heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke.
- Get active. More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese. Adults should get at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, and muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. Choose activities you enjoy, such as tennis, basketball or brisk walking. All physical activity benefits your health.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Losing excess pounds and keeping them off can lower your risk of heart disease as well as various types of cancer.
- Eat healthy. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, as they are sources of many vitamins and minerals. Choose healthy snacks. Limit food and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
- Manage stress levels. If you feel constantly on edge or under pressure, your lifestyle habits may suffer, and so might your immune system. Take steps to reduce stress or learn to deal with stress in healthy ways.
- Limit alcohol.If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
Your doctor can be your best ally for preventing health issues. Don’t wait until something is wrong before you make an appointment, get regular check-ups.
Take this opportunity during Men’s Health Awareness Month to make an appointment with your physician. Healthier men live happier, longer lives.
