A focus on men's health

Do you, or the men in your life, know what health issues they should be aware of?

Top men’s health concerns

Many of the health conditions affecting men don’t have obvious beginning symptoms.  This is true of conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Many don’t have symptoms at all at the beginning and can be hard to recognize until it’s too late.

Add to this a reluctance on the part of some men to make a regular check-up a priority, and it can be the recipe for a health crisis to come.

What should be on every man’s health radar? Remember this list:

• Heart disease
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Blood sugar/diabetes
• Prostate health
• Bone health
• Cancer screenings (Prostate, lung, colon and skin)

Men can take steps to prevent or detect many of these conditions early by making lifestyle changes and having regular check-ups.

Six healthy habits to remember

Research shows that men who have a spouse or companion tend to have better overall health. This may be because of the encouragement couples give each other to make healthy choices. Whether you’re the man or the spouse/companion, here are 6 healthy choices to keep in mind:

• Don’t smoke. This is the one habit that can cause many health problems including heart disease and cancer.
• Move more. Find ways to be active together. Join a gym or make regular walking or biking dates. Adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
• Eat healthily. Plan menus, prep food and cook together. Focus on a plant-based diet when possible. Include a balance of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean meats.
• Get screened. As a man approaches age 50, it’s important to have a conversation with your doctor about cancer screening tests.
• Pay attention to symptoms. Sometimes what may seem like a minor symptom is not. Symptoms that can indicate an underlying health problem include chest pain, shortness of breath, unexpected weight loss or constant thirst.
• Know your numbers. Men should have regular check-ups to measure blood pressure and routine blood tests. These basic tests can provide insight into overall health and wellness.

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