June is Men's Health Month
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June is International Men’s Health Month; which makes it a great time to raise awareness about the unique health challenges that men face and encourage them to prioritize their well-being.
Men are at higher risk for many serious diseases including heart disease and certain cancers. They face unique health problems that don’t affect women. To improve men’s health, it’s important to raise awareness about preventative screenings, maintaining annual health care appointments, and even taking a more proactive approach to their care like we offer at WellcomeMD.
See below for a list of key health concerns for men:
Prostate Health: prostate cancer is a very significant concern for men, so it's recommended that by the age of 45, to start having that conversation with your doctor about regular screenings and family history that may increase your risk of developing this disease.
Testicular health: testicular cancer, while relatively rare, primarily affects younger men. Regular self-checks are encouraged and performed by checking for lumps, monitoring the increase or decrease of size, and noting soreness; if any of these occur one should contact their primary care doctor as soon as possible.
Heart Disease: heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes, is the leading cause of death among males, making it crucial to adopt early heart-healthy habits consisting of regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and routine checkups can all help reduce the risk.
Mental health: men often face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. Depression, anxiety, and suicide rates are alarmingly high among men due to, societal pressures, stigma, and reluctance to seek help can hinder their well-being. Society has instilled the mindset in most that asking for help and seeking assistance is a sign of weakness, which is not the case whatsoever because having positive mental stability is more important than the opinions of others.
The key purpose of Men’s Health Month’s is to encourage men to take charge of their overall health by implementing healthy living decisions. Use this month as a powerful reminder for men to prioritize their well-being and take proactive steps toward a healthier life. Below is a list of simple strategies for men to consider when prioritizing their health:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet full of leafy greens and vitamin-D-rich foods, regular physical activity of at least 150 minutes per week, sufficient sleep of at least 7 hours, stress management, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are essential for maintaining optimal health in men.
Prioritize preventive care: schedule regular checkups with healthcare providers for screenings, vaccinations, and overall health assessments. This covers, having your blood pressure checked at least once a year, cholesterol every four to six years, a blood diabetes test every three years, the flu shot yearly, and the shingles vaccine at the age of 50.
Seek support: encourage conversation about men's health, breaking down the societal stigma surrounding seeking help. Create supportive environments where men feel comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking advice by cultivating strong social connections with friends and family.
Practice self-care: self care is not just for women! Engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as mindfulness exercises, participating in hobbies, journaling, and seeking therapy or counseling when necessary. Mental health is just as important as physical because our bodies and minds are connected, so for one to be truly healthy all around one must also be mentally strong.
Be informed: Educate yourself about the specific health challenges men face. Share resources, organize community events, and participate in campaigns to spread awareness.
By raising awareness, promoting preventative care, and encouraging open discussions, we can work towards reducing the innocence of common health issues and improving overall health outcomes for men. Let's embrace this month as an opportunity to make positive changes and inspire other males to do the same. Remember your health matters - take charge of it today for a better tomorrow!
