June is Men's Health Month
Did you know men live on average 6 years less than women? Why? Studies show men tend to have a higher rate of unhealthy behaviors that lead to serious health problems than women. Also, men are less likely to visit the doctor and get important health screenings.
The good news is most health threats to men are preventable. You can take simple steps to reduce your risks and stay healthy. If you're ready to make a difference in your lifestyle, we can help. Do it not only for yourself, but also for those people in your life who love and depend upon you.
Tests and exams
The following tests and exams are some basic steps you can take to prevent problems by detecting early signs of disease that may not have noticeable symptoms. A simple test like a cholesterol screen or a blood pressure check can reveal a need to adjust your diet or lifestyle to help avoid serious problems from developing.
Review our preventive care guidelines for your age group or talk with your physician to find out if, when, and how often you should have the following screening tests:
Lifestyle recommendations for all men
- Breathe easier. Smoking increases your risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other serious health problems and can cause erectile dysfunction. While the wish to quit needs to come from within, there are medicines and techniques that can help. Use our resources to help you quit smoking.
- Hit the gym. Or why not play basketball instead of watching it on TV? Learn about the many health benefits you get from being physically active for 30 minutes or more on most days.
- Do a gut check. If you're overweight, even a small amount of weight loss can make a big difference in how healthy you are and how you feel. Visit our weight management topic to explore options that really work. Use our body mass index (BMI) calculator to screen for obesity.
- Power up your diet. HealthMedia® NourishTM gives you personalized strategies for making smart and delicious food choices to increase energy, manage weight, and live a longer, healthier life. You can also visit our nutrition topic to learn how to eat right.
- Ready, set, relax. Men experience stress due to work, family, relationships, illness, and other pressures. HealthMedia® RelaxTM gives you personalized strategies for relieving and preventing stress.
- Alcohol—the amount matters. Limit alcohol consumption to one drink a day or less. (One drink is a 12 ounce bottle of beer, a 5 ounce glass of wine, or a 1 1/2 ounce shot of hard liquor.) If drinking is causing problems for you or others, use our facility directory to locate our Behavioral Medicine, Psychiatry, or Mental Health departments for professional help.
- Buckle up. Wear your seat belt every time you drive.
- Be a helmet head. Wear a helmet when you are on a bike, motorcycle, or skateboard.
- Protect your skin. Wear a hat or sunscreen to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
- Play it safe. Protect yourself from exercise injuries.
- Open up. If you are depressed, often angry, anxious, or thinking of suicide, talk to your health care provider, trusted friend, relative, or clergyman.
- Know your risks. If possible, get your family's medical history, including illnesses, diseases, chronic conditions, and premature deaths. If you know your risks, you can take steps to keep yourself healthy.
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