This year June 15th is going to be celebrated as Father’s Day the world over and rightfully so the month of June is celebrated as Men’s Health Awareness Month. There could not be a better time of the year to discuss about the health of men around you.
If we look at men’s health it is obvious that they health problems that they may suffer may be different but may not be less serious than in the case of women. Heart ailments, cancer and accidents are main causes of health issues amongst men. The most common cancers that are diagnosed amongst men include lung, oral, stomach and prostate cancers.
Steps for Taking Care of Men’s Health
Prevention
The first and most important step that can be taken for men’s health is prevention. This starts by understanding the major health risks that men are subject to. Heart ailments and cancer of the colon can be easily prevented with the help of early diagnosis. Screening tests help identify ailments at a stage when they can be easily cured. There is no point avoiding going for regular health check and screenings. It is important not just for the male as an individual but for the entire family.
Some steps that can be undertaken for preventing occurrence of critical disease are:
- Getting routine checkups and screenings
- Adopt a physically active lifestyle
- Choose healthy food options
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay away from tobacco
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Do not give in to stress
Monitor
To stay one step ahead of the disease, monitor your health regularly. Observe yourself for discomfort, disease or a new pain that may be affecting your body. Any such discomfort that persists for more than a week needs to be discussed with your doctor. Discuss with your doctor your check up schedule. Make sure that you are screened for:
- Blood Pressure
- Cholesterol
- Blood Sugar
- Weight and Body Mass Index
Do not ignore mental health issues that you may be feeling.
Immunization
Disease can also be prevented by making sure that you get your immunization regularly. Shots for hepatitis A and B should not be ignored. Your doctor should be the best person to discuss this matter and drawing your personal immunization calendar.
Take Charge
Irrespective of the nature of disease – chronic or short term it is neither to early nor too late to take control over your health. Some adjustment of attitude and conditioning may be required but now is the right time to take control of your health.
There is nothing manly about ignoring good health and health issues. Some tips that can be followed for a healthier lifestyle are:
- Choose the stairs over an elevator and a bike over a car
- Play a ball game – table tennis, basket ball, football
- Reduce the amount of salt and red meat in your diet
- Increase the quantity of veggies in your diet
- Do not forget to get a good night’s sleep
- Abstain from tobacco
- Get your vaccinations
- Get health insurance
To keep it short and sweet – Stay active, Eat Healthy and Tame Stress.
