Want the secret to a long, healthy life? The good news is, that aside from genetic predispositions, your health is largely in your control. Enjoy the freedom that comes from maintaining your physical and mental health by following these 5 tips for optimal men’s health.
1. See Your Doctor
Most of us know that men are less likely than women to go to the doctor when they’re sick. Men are also less likely to go to yearly check-ups than women. This could be one reason that women tend to outlive men by five years. The average American woman will live to the age of 81 and the average American man will live to the age of 76.
The following screenings, often done at yearly check-ups, are particularly important for men’s health:
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Prostate cancer: The American Cancer Society says men should be screened starting at age 50. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, your screenings may need to begin sooner. Your direct primary care physician can help determine when you should be screened.
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Diabetes: Due to the many health complications type 2 diabetes can cause, men who are overweight or have other risk factors for developing this disease should be screened.
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High Blood Pressure: Since there are no symptoms of high blood pressure, it’s important to go to the doctor and have it checked at least once a year. High blood pressure can cause heart failure, stroke, a heart attack, and many other health issues.
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High Cholesterol: This is also a symptomless condition that can cause myriad serious health issues. If needed, high cholesterol is easily managed with lifestyle and diet changes or medication.
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Colorectal Cancer: This cancer is more common in men than women. Unless you have a family history, The American Cancer Society advises that screenings should begin at age 45.
2. Cultivate Social Relationships
One key to a long, healthy, happy life is maintaining strong social ties, friendships, and other close relationships throughout your life.
Healthy relationships can lower stress and help ward off depression and other mental health issues. Those with strong bonds to others also tend to recover faster after injury, illness, or surgery. Friends and family tend to help us stay more physically fit, translating to better overall health.
3. Kick Bad Habits
Many of us hold on to our vices for far too long. However, overconsuming alcohol, smoking (and vaping), and having unprotected sex can cause long-term damage to our bodies and minds that simply isn’t worth the risk.
Men should limit themselves to two alcoholic drinks per day. Routinely drinking more than this can cause long-term health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.
As far as smoking, there’s no reason to hang onto this nasty habit. Men who smoke are twenty times more likely to develop lung cancer. Smoking can even cause erectile dysfunction, yet another good reason to quit smoking today.
Last, unsafe sex can lead to a variety of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, herpes, HPV (human papillomavirus, which can cause genital warts), hepatitis B, and more.
4. Exercise and Eat Right
Regular exercise is vital for men to achieve optimal health. Physical activity improves how your heart functions, lowers your risk of diabetes, colon cancer, and erectile dysfunction, strengthens your bones and muscles, and lowers your risk of mental health issues. Men need 150 to 300 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week.
In addition to exercising, eating well is crucial to good health. Don’t think of eating well as dieting because it’s not about limiting calories and never indulging. Instead, focus on a variety of foods so your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Many men (and women) skimp on sleep when life gets hectic, but sleep is as important to good health as eating well and exercising. Adequate sleep helps the body in the following ways:
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Helps maintain a healthy body weight
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Improves concentration and productivity
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Strengthens the immune system
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Helps ward off mental health issues
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Boosts athletic performance
Routinely getting poor sleep or not enough sleep can contribute to poor physical and mental health. Men should get between 7 and 9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Your ProPartners Direct Primary Care Physician Can Keep You Healthy
ProPartners specializes in preventive medicine and primary care. Our goal is for our patients to live longer, healthier lives. Our physicians and dieticians can partner with you so you can live your best life. With ProPartners Direct Primary Care, your doctor will always be available to you to be your primary resource for all health-related concerns.
Not a member yet? Contact us today to see how we can provide the best preventive care you’ve ever had.