Health Tips for Men of All Ages
- Category: Men's Health
- Posted On:
- Written By: Southwest General Health Center
Protecting Men’s Health
Men often take their health for granted, and many men think they don't have to worry about their health as much as women do. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Men have health issues just as women do, and it's important for them to start paying attention to their bodies.
Here are some health tips for men of all ages:
1. Get regular checkups and screenings.
Men often avoid going to the doctor unless they are severely sick or injured. Studies also show that men receive significantly less doctor's time in medical encounters than women.
However, it's important to get regular checkups and screenings, even if you feel fine. This way, you can catch any potential health problems early on and get treatment before it's too late. Especially as men grow older, it’s essential to be tested for common chronic conditions. This includes:
Strokes
Prostate issues
Respiratory concerns (such as COPD and asthma)
Suicide and depression
You should always speak to your doctor about your health status, history and family background to ensure you’re being monitored for any conditions you could be predisposed to. Common screenings that men should undergo regularly include those for colorectal and prostate cancer as well as heart disease.
2. Eat a healthy diet.
A healthy diet is important for everyone, but it's especially important for men. This is because men are more likely to suffer from health problems like heart disease and high blood pressure. Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce your risk of these conditions.
The following list includes guidelines for a healthy diet that every man can work towards:
Two cups of fruits and two and a half cups of vegetables each day
At least half of all grains should be eaten as whole grains each day
25 to 34 grams of fiber daily for younger men and 28 grams of fiber daily for men older than 50
Proteins beyond red meat, including two to three servings of fish weekly
Unsaturated fats like some oils, nuts and oil-based salad dressings
Limit saturated fats, high sodium and sugar
3. Exercise regularly.
Exercise is important for your overall health, but it can also help men reduce their risk of specific health problems such as colon cancer and erectile dysfunction. The key to a consistent routine is to find the movement that works for you — whether that’s weight lifting or yoga. You should try to focus on the total picture when it comes to your health, including movements that focus on:
Strength training
Cardio
Flexibility
Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week, even if it's just a brisk walk around the block.
4. Quit smoking.
Lung cancer often affects both men and women. In fact, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both sexes in the United States.
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health, and it's especially harmful to men. Smoking increases your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and erectile dysfunction. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.
Tips to help you start your journey free of smoking include:
Make a list of reasons why you want to quit smoking
Choose a date to quit, and stick to it
Remove all tobacco products from your home and workplace
Avoid places where people smoke
Drink lots of water and other fluids
Exercise regularly
Eat healthy foods and take vitamins to help boost your immune system
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can trigger cravings
Practice deep breathing and other relaxation techniques to help deal with cravings and stress
Seek professional help if you feel you need it
5. Limit your alcohol intake.
Did you know that men are almost two times more likely to binge drink than women? Approximately 22% of men have been shown to binge drink and do so an average of five times a month.
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of liver disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. If you drink alcohol, aim to limit yourself to no more than two drinks per day.
6. Manage your mental health.
Mental health is an important issue for men of all ages. Yet, men are less likely than women to report mental health concerns. This may be due to the fact that men are socialized to believe that they should be tough and emotionless. As a result, men may bottle up their feelings and fail to seek help when they need it.
If you are a man struggling with mental health issues, it's important to seek help from a professional. There are many resources available to men who need assistance. With the right help, men can overcome mental health challenges and live happy, healthy lives.
Primary and Pediatric Care in Northeast Ohio
By following these health tips, men can help keep themselves healthy and reduce their risk of developing serious health problems down the road.
The Southwest General Medical Group, Inc. includes primary care physicians who are committed to providing patients with high-quality medical care. Our team of board-certified specialists and skilled physicians work to provide excellent health care service for our community. To learn more about our primary and specialty care services, visit our website.
