Men’s Health Month, recognized every June, is a chance to have a conversation about tips for a longer and healthier life! Check out the resources below and share this article with the men in your life.
There are simple lifestyle changes men can make to help fight disease, be more fit and live a healthier life. Here are some tips to get you started.
- Select a doctor. Having a consistent medical provider who sees you regularly can help monitor any health changes. Don’t have a primary care doctor? Valley Health offers a variety of family and internal medicine services across 30 offices. Visit our primary care website to find a doctor near you.
- Get preventive screenings. Discuss the following screenings with your healthcare provider and ask how often you should have these screenings based on your risk factors, age, and family history: prostate cancer screening, colon cancer screening, bone density screening.
- Take care of your heart. Your doctor can help you monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors and discuss heart-healthy lifestyle habits.
- Perform testicular self-exams regularly. Check for lumps and nodules. This article from the American Cancer Society shows how to perform a proper self-exam.
- Eat balanced meals. Follow this rule: Make half your plate fruits and vegetables, one quarter protein, and one quarter grains at each meal. Click here to learn more about Valley Health’s Outpatient Nutrition Services.
- Stay on top of your mental health. It’s important to talk to someone or seek help if you’re experiencing depression, stress and anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the suicide rate among men is nearly four times higher than among women.
- Limit alcohol and quit tobacco. Men who have more than two alcoholic drinks daily are at higher risk for certain diseases, such as cancer. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States.
Strive for good sleep. Aim to get between 7.5 and 8.5 hours of quality sleep per night. Do you experience difficulty sleeping? Ask your provider if a visit to a sleep medicine expert would be right for you.
Source: HealthAdvocate – Top Health Tips for Men
Your primary care provider (PCP) can help keep you up-to-date with:
- Regular blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol checks
- Diabetes screenings
- Cancer prevention
- Vaccines, including for flu and COVID-19
Resources:
Learn more about men’s health in this informative video with John W. Timmons, MD, a Valley Health Family Medicine Provider.
