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Real Men Take Care of Themselves
~ by Richard Sgaglio
June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. In recognition of this important annual initiative, it’s a good time to provide you with some helpful information and reminders related to men’s health.
According to an article featured in Everyday Health, when you look at the top 10 leading causes of death by gender, men lead in 9 out of the 10 categories. Understanding this should also make us realize that bringing awareness to men’s health concerns needs to continue to be a priority. It could save lives.
The key is not to let complacency and fear be excuses for not going to the doctor. Forgoing annual check-ups can take a toll on our overall health. By maintaining annual exams that include routine bloodwork, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and management of health issues, we can stay ahead of any potentially serious health issues like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Although mental health has become a growing concern for men and women in recent years, men continue to battle the pressures of society when it comes to acknowledging the issue and managing it. According to WebMD, men with depression often aren't diagnosed for several reasons, including:
Maintaining a balanced diet and staying active can help you lower your risk for things like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. As mentioned above, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, so making heart-healthy choices like eating right and exercising can only help! Not only can they help keep your heart strong, they will improve your mental health as well.
When it comes to a balanced and healthy diet, Healthline.com says you should avoid processed foods as much as possible. Stick with natural foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean cuts of meat (like skinless chicken breast, lean ground meat (like turkey), or even fish).
Being active doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym several times a week. You can bike, walk on your lunch hour, or play a game of pickleball with a friend. The key is to do a healthy mix of aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities. Remember, always take the stairs – the little changes you make add up, too!
Don’t Forget about Your Prostate
The second leading cancer diagnosis for men is prostate cancer, as reported by the American Cancer Society. If you have trouble urinating, experience pain when you urinate, or notice blood in your urine, it may be a sign of prostate problems. Newer advances in blood tests can screen for prostate issues like cancer and, if necessary, can help guide treatment.
The key is to stay in control of your mental and physical health by being an active participant in your healthcare. Don’t be silent about issues and hope they just go away – they won’t. Speak up when something doesn’t seem right either physically or mentally.
Your health is important for a good quality of life. Don’t be caught up in old, outdated stereotypes that keep you from asking for and seeking help. Strong men do take care of themselves because by doing so, they help take care of those they love as well.
Resources:
Men’s Health Month
MensHealthMonth.org
Men’s Health Network
MensHealthNetwork.org
Men’s Health Resource Center
MensHealthResourceCenter.com