Men’s Health Month

During June we celebrate the men in our lives. The men that are fathers and grandpas are celebrated. But we also show appreciation for those that play as a leader or father figure in the lives of our children. These men can be uncles, close friends, coaches, spiritual leaders, and other close members of our extended families. It’s no coincidence that men’s health is celebrated around the Father’s Day holiday.

Purpose of Men’s Health Month

This special month is on our calendars to heighten awareness of preventable health problems for men and boys. Awareness increases the chances of early detection of treatment.

Knowing the Facts

According to the CDC, the top five causes of death among adult men in the U.S. are:

  1. heart disease. The cause of 1 in 4 male deaths in the US each year. Half of the men who die suddenly have no previous symptoms according to the CDC.
  2. cancer. Except for skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men.
  3. unintentional injuries. This includes motor vehicle crashes, poisoning and falls.
  4. chronic lower respiratory disease. Cigarette smoke is the cause for 80% of cases.
  5. stroke. Four out of five strokes are preventable.

Making changes

Addressing some lifestyle choices can significantly decrease your chances of risk.

  1. Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, work on your plan to stop. On top of this, work to eliminate all secondhand smoke from your life.
  2. Eat a healthy diet. Sit down to your meals with a colorful plate of fruits and vegetables. Pair whole grains, high-fiber foods, and lean proteins with your produce. Limit foods with added sugar, sodium, and foods high in saturated and trans fats.
  3. Exercise. Whether you have a workout plan or are trying to get more steps into your day. Get moving to help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Play games like tennis and basketball with friends or family.
  4. Maintain a healthy weight. As you work to keep excess pounds off, you will decrease your risk of heart disease and cancer. Diet and exercise play primary roles in weight loss for most people.
  5. Limit alcohol. For those that choose to drink, please do so in moderation. Alcohol consumption has been linked to cancer, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
  6. Manage stress. Your health will suffer if you are constantly under stress. Here are some ways to reduce the stress you carry.

See your doctor

Have annual visits with your doctor. Make sure to check your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels are within a healthy range. Discuss steps to improve your numbers and lower your risk of heart disease. Use this visit with your doctor to discuss any changes in your lifestyle or ailments. Open communication is key so that you and your doctor can put together a plan to maintain a long and healthy life. Annual visits are also a great chance to ensure you are up-to-date on your vaccines. The CDC vaccine schedule is broken out by age bracket. Healthstar Physicians is a multi-specialty physicians group with 14 locations in five counties including three after hours clinics. We live and work right here in East Tennessee. Just as you do, we also treasure the men in our life and want them around for a long time. Reach out to us and set up an appointment. We accept most forms of health insurance. Contact us to find out more.