This June we celebrated Men’s Health Month. This annual observance encourages men to take charge of their health. Men are less likely to report symptoms or see a provider compared to women, men are at a higher risk for diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and lung cancer and offer have poorer quality mental health compared to women. This month is important for encouraging positive changes in men’s health to help fight these differences in health.
What Can Men Do to Make Health a Priority This Month?
1. Complete a Testicular self-exam at home this month and every month. The Testicular Cancer Society provides great information on testicular cancer and how to compete for the exam at home, which can be found here.
2. Take time to make sure you are scheduled for your yearly checkups and up to date on your vaccines and screenings. You can read more about adult vaccinations from the CDC here and read more about cancer screenings here.
3. Take time to do something you enjoy to help lower your stress, support your mental health, and connect with others and yourself. Whether it’s a hobby, meditation, or spending time with loved ones, make mental health a priority.
4. Summer is a great time to get back outside and exercise to help support your mind and body. Joining a local recreation league or even going on a daily walk is a great way to get active and enjoy the outdoors.
5. Avoid risky behavior like using tobacco products and alcohol and unsafe driving as these can negatively affect your health. Making conscious choices to steer clear of risky behaviors is crucial for long-term well-being.
With men being at high risk for chronic disease like cardiovascular disease and diabetes it is important to take actions to support your health. With regular checkups, a healthy diet, exercising and monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels you can fight and prevent these diseases. Understanding risk factors and symptoms of these diseases can also prompt early intervention and prevention strategies. The CDC is a great place to start to have a better understanding of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Men’s Health month is a reminder for men to prioritize their health and for everyone to support the men in their lives for a heathier future for all. To learn more about Men’s Health Month and what you can do to make men’s health a priority, explore the Men’s Health Network website.
