It’s been 12 months since the last Men’s Health Month. Have you seen your doctor?
June is a great time to make an appointment for a physical with your primary care provider, and it’s also an ideal month to educate yourself about some of the issues that impact men’s health. For example, did you know that men tend to die five years earlier, on average, than women? Or that men face higher risks for health conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease and HIV? And they’re also at risk for sex-specific cancers, including prostate cancer and testicular cancer (learn about those facts and more via the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion).
There are many simple actions men can take to benefit their health, this month and every month. Here are four ways to get started.
- If you don’t have a primary care doctor, select one. Establishing a relationship with a doctor is important. That person can help you feel better when you’re sick, and they can offer advice on how to feel and stay your healthiest. And yet, according to a survey by the Cleveland Clinic, many men aren’t taking actions to stay healthy. Nearly two in five Gen Z men don’t have a primary care provider (PCP). And when it comes to annual physicals, just 32% of millennials and Gen Z men get them, compared to 61% of Gen X and Baby Boomers. A primary care doctor can test your cholesterol and blood pressure, keep you up-to-date on immunizations and advise you on which screenings you need. A PCP visit is like a one-stop shop for your health!
- If you’re worried about your mental health, talk to a professional. It’s tough to ask for help, and the statistics show that men, in particular, struggle when it comes to addressing their mental health challenges. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly one in 10 men experience some sort of anxiety or depression, but fewer than half seek treatment. If you find that you’re feeling unhappy or irritable, and you’re avoiding or not getting pleasure from activities you usually enjoy, talk to your doctor or connect with a therapist and share the way you’re feeling. They may be able to help.
- Strengthen your support system. Research shows that social connections are important for your mental and physical health; in fact, people with strong social connections may actually live longer. Prioritize connecting with old friends and open your mind to ways to meet new ones. It’ll be good for all involved!
- Practice good health habits. There are everyday actions you can take that are known to be good for your health. Those include regular exercise (aim for 30 minutes of movement, five times a week); eating a healthy diet filled with lean proteins, whole grains and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables; finding outlets to manage your stress, such as yoga or deep breathing; getting enough sleep; quitting tobacco; and moderating how much alcohol you drink (the US guidelines recommend two drinks a day or less for men and one a day or less for women).
Making healthy choices isn’t hard, but you may need to adjust to some changes in your routine. Before long, those healthy choices may make you feel good enough that you wouldn’t want to choose any other way.
