Men’s Health Tips
Father’s Day is approaching and a time when we think about our dad, granddad, husband, partner, brother, son or friend who are important influences in our lives, which makes it a good opportunity to think about health issues that affect men – and perhaps time to make sure that man in your life gets his check-up. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year, and 22 percent more likely to have neglected their cholesterol tests.
The American Heart Association lists 10 common excuses men give for not seeing a doctor, which range from “There’s probably nothing wrong” to “I don’t have the time,” so therefore I won’t go.
For Father’s Day, we can offer gentle reminders about how to refocus health, courtesy of the CDC:
- Get Enough Sleep – Aim for seven to nine hours per night.
- Stop Smoking – If you quit now, you’ll lower your risk for cancer, COPD, and other smoking-related illnesses.
- Exercise More – Try to fit in 2 ½ hours of aerobic activity, plus muscle-strengthening exercises, each week.
- Eat Healthy – Your diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables daily.
- Reduce Stress – You’ll feel much more relaxed if you avoid drugs and alcohol, connect socially, and find support.
- Get Regular Checkups
Dad has nagged you growing up & now it’s your turn to return the favor, by letting him know why he should make regular checkups a priority. The risks of avoiding preventive care can be real and serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 10 leading killers of American men are:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Unintentional injuries
- Stroke
- Chronic lower respiratory diseases (such as COPD)
- Diabetes
- Suicide
- Influenza and pneumonia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Chronic liver disease
This month is a reminder for men to take steps to be healthier. Whether it’s your husband, partner, dad, brother, son, or friend you can help support the health and safety of the men in your life!
