Men’s Health Month
The Health and Wellness Center wants you to know that June is Men’s Health Month, a time to encourage early detection and treatment of disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top five leading causes of death among men are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke. Heart disease is number one, causing 25 percent of male deaths in the U.S. Many of the health issues men face are preventable and treatable.
Below are tips to take charge of one’s health.
Get good sleep: Insufficient sleep can be associated with a number of conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. One’s sleep needs change with age; seven to nine hours is ideal for adults.
Toss the tobacco: Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S.—killing more than 480,000 Americans each year. It’s never too late to quit! Quitting produces immediate and long-term benefits; it lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other illnesses. Avoid second-hand smoke, which can also cause heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke.
Be active: More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese. Adults should get at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, and muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. Work all major muscle groups including legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms.
Eat healthy: Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, as they are sources of many vitamins and minerals that protect against disease. Choose healthy snacks. Limit food and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
Manage stress: Physical or emotional tension is often a sign of stress. Sometimes stress can be good, helping develop skills needed to manage potentially threatening situations. Stress can also be harmful, if it leads to feeling overwhelmed or out of control. Manage stress with self-care and social support. Avoid drugs and alcohol, stay active, stay socially connected, and find support.
Stay on top of your game: Patients should see their medical team for regular checkups. Checkups can help diagnose issues early, before they become a problem, and sometimes before symptoms appear. Ask the doctor what screenings are needed and when. Track personal numbers such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body mass index. And get vaccinated; immunizations help maintain health, regardless of age.
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