The goal of Men's Health Month is to raise awareness about the importance of healthy living by encouraging boys and men to make healthy choices throughout the month of June.
Generally, American men live nearly six years less than women, and non-Hispanic Black and American Indian/Alaska Native men live shorter lives than non-Hispanic white men. A healthy lifestyle and regular doctor's visits can prevent many diseases that disproportionately affect men, such as heart disease and cancer.
In a survey, however, 63 percent of black men reported they were not getting regular health screenings. In addition, men are more likely than women to have lower health literacy levels, meaning they may have difficulty finding, understanding, and using health information and services.
Furthermore, men are less likely to visit a doctor and have regular checkups.
For men, there are several things they can do to stay healthy, including:
Maintain a healthy diet. By eating a healthy diet, you are less likely to suffer from heart disease, strokes, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Don't forget to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Exercise regularly. You need exercise to maintain good health physically and mentally. Every day, strive to exercise moderately for 30 minutes.
Be sure to get enough sleep. The average adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Take steps to manage stress. You can suffer from mental and physical health problems as a result of stress. Stress can be managed in healthy ways, such as through exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time with loved ones.
Keep your checkups up to date. It is recommended that men visit their doctors once a year for a checkup. The earlier you catch any health problems, the easier it is to treat them.
Make a list of goals. Think about how you want your health to be in this month and how you can get there. Is losing weight on your mind? Interested in building muscle? Is it as simple as eating more vegetables? Identify small and achievable goals and work with your doctor to achieve them.
Taking charge of your health is a great way to celebrate Men's Health Month. It is possible to improve your health and lower your risk of chronic diseases by making a few simple changes.
A few more tips on improving men's health are as follows:
It is important to tell your doctor about any family history you may have. Identifying any health risks associated with your family history can assist your doctor.
Consider getting screened for cancer. Cancer screenings for men, such as prostate and colorectal cancer, should be recommended by their doctors.
Be sure to look after your mental health. Compared to women, men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues. Don't hesitate to seek help if you're suffering from depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue.
Set an example for other men by being a role model. You can help other men in your life take charge of their health by encouraging them to do so. Be sure to emphasize the importance of eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting regular checkups for your children.
Educate yourself. Find out what health issues men are susceptible to and how you can prevent them. You can find information about health issues that men face at the CDC.
By following these steps, you will be able to improve your health.
The following resources are helpful for men's health:
In addition to providing information about heart health, the American Heart Association also promotes stroke prevention.
Cancer prevention and early detection are the main focuses of the American Cancer Society.
Mental health and mental illness information can be found at the National Institute of Mental Health.
Men's health information and resources can be found at the National Men's Health Network, a non-profit organization.