Father’s Day is quickly approaching and now is the perfect time to encourage the men in your life to take care of themselves. The month of June is National Men’s Health Month. During Men’s Health Month, we encourage men to take control of their health, and for families to teach young boys healthy habits throughout childhood. It is a time to urge all boys and men to stay healthy by eating right, exercising, and seeking regular medical checkups to prevent disease and injury so they may live long and healthy lives.
Men’s health is not just a “man’s issue”, it’s a family issue. Men’s health can impact everyone around them: wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, etc. On average, men die five years younger than women. Men die at higher rates from the three leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries.
Men are significantly less likely than women to see a doctor or report symptoms to a health care provider. Studies show men are less likely to seek medical care for several reasons. Some avoid care because they feel fine. Others are nervous about an exam or what it might reveal. Some men even see medical care as a sign of weakness. However, staying healthy is a sign of strength.
Only 60% of men go to the doctor for a yearly, routine checkup, and 40% won’t go until something is seriously wrong. All of this impacts their ability to be involved fathers, supportive partners, and engaged community members. Despite these statistics, 20% of men report seeing a doctor so their significant other or a loved one will stop nagging them. They may not like it, but it’s important to encourage the men in your life to see a doctor. You can make an impact!
Let them know you care! One reason men disregard their own health is that they’re too busy taking care of everyone else. What they don’t realize, however, is that if they die early, they’ll be hurting the very people they’ve worked so hard to protect.
So, the question is, what can men do to be healthier?
The answer? Simple: Take action!
Get regular checkups - talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about having a physical or wellness check each year. Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and weight to catch small problems early before they become potentially dangerous conditions and get proper care, if needed.
Eat healthy and protect the heart - heart disease is the number 1 killer of men. Add more fruits and vegetables into your diet and try to limit eating foods that are high in calories, sugar, salt, and fat. Healthier food choices build a healthier heart.
Get moving - make a personal goal to reach 2 ½ hours of physical activity per week. We know this comes up a lot but getting just 30 minutes of exercise each day can help you live longer and healthier. Participating in activities you enjoy will help you to stay motivated.
Quit tobacco - tobacco smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the U.S. and the primary cause of COPD and lung cancer. Smoking can also cause heart disease, stroke, and even a greater risk of erectile disfunction.
Limit alcohol consumption - limiting alcohol can reduce your risk of long-term health risks. Drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men or 1 drink or less in a day for women.
Manage stress - taking steps to reduce stress can lower your risk of other conditions like heart disease, obesity, high-blood pressure, and depression.
Make prevention a priority - monthly testicular self-exams are important for the early detection of testicular cancer.
Set an example - follow the healthy habits above and be a role model for those who may be watching you or look up to you.
コメント