June is Men’s Health Month, and every year Men's Health Week is celebrated in the week including Father's Day. However, men should be aware of their ailments, symptoms and have them checked throughout the year, not just during the Month of June.
Anchored by a Congressional health education program, Men's Health Month is celebrated with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities.
The purpose of Men's Health Month is to increase awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.
Tips for men on how to take better care of themselves:
Get Regular Check-ups.
Did you know men are half as likely to visit a doctor for a check-up as women, and over 7 million men have not seen a doctor in over 10 years?
If you cannot remember the last time you had a complete physical, call your doctor and make an appointment. (You would not let 10 years go between oil changes for your vehicle, would you?)
Be More Physically Active.
June is a great time to start a healthier lifestyle by being more physically active.
Research shows exercise helps prevent heart disease and obesity, and lowers blood pressure.
Aim for 30 to 60 minutes on most days. You can even spread it out to include 10 minute increments of exercise over the course of your day.
Improve the Nutritional Quality of your Diet
Some tips on how to improve the nutritional quality of your diet include eating a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, nuts and seeds.
Especially limit cholesterol intake and avoid saturated fats.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs.
When a warning light flashes on the car dashboard, most men take the car to the shop. But when warning lights flash on their body, most men do not (or will not) notice.
Examples of flashing lights to look for are changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent backaches, recurrent chest pains, and extreme fatigue.
Also, pay attention to troubling eyesight and tooth aches. Be sure to make an appointment with both your Ophthalmologists and dentist at least once a year.
Men’s health issues significantly impact everyone around them, and far too many men never see a doctor unless there is something seriously wrong or a partner or spouse makes the appointment for them.
Women and men should educate themselves about potential male health problems. It could save a life!
Be sure to check out http://www.menshealthnetwork.org
