Every June, we celebrate Men’s Health Month. It is a time to take a moment and remember and recommit to things that can lead to a longer, more productive, and happier life for men around the world.
Let’s face it, the average man avoids talking about health and going to see their doctor like the plague. In fact, men are 24% less likely to have seen their primary care doctor in the last year than women.
Commit To A Healthier Lifestyle
But guys , the truth is that your family and friends want you to be healthy and would like you to be around as long as possible. So this month, commit to a few things to help you live a healthier life.
- Annual Checkup: See your doctor for an annual checkup.
- Get moving. Exercise as simple as walking a couple of miles each day reduces your chances for heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.
- Colorectal Screen: If you are 50 or older, get screened for colorectal cancer. Not only can this screen detect cancer, but it also has the potential to help you prevent it.
- Blood Pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer. It can damage your arteries, kidneys, eyes, brain and more. Exercise will help reduce this along with dietary changes, such as reduction of your alcohol consumption.
- Reduce Salt Intake: Put down the salt shaker. On average, American men take in twice the recommended level of sodium. Fast food, processed meats, and many other types of restaurant food tend to be high in sodium. This month, try to start cooking some fresh meals at home and try to include vegetables.
- Know your family health history. Do you know the medical conditions your parents, grandparents, and siblings have had to deal with? Knowing these and letting your doctor know can help you learn what changes and precautions you should be taking in your daily life.
- Get Some Sleep: Be sure to get an adequate amount of sleep each night. Sleep helps maintain not only a healthy heart but it can also affect your ability to maintain healthy weight.
- Know The Warning Signs. New pains, increased levels sweating, nervousness, changes in breathing patterns, chest pain, and any new things that arise suddenly should be checked out.
Take care of yourself and start today, but if an emergency does show its ugly head, know that we’ll be here to assist you in any way.
