5 Health Tips for Men

The goal of announcing June National Men’s Health Month is to increase the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among boys and men. According to the CDC, on average, women lived one year longer than men did in 1920. Today, however, women live on average almost five years longer than men do. With women's health still getting far more attention, I wanted to dedicate this month’s article to encourage and support the men in our lives to take better care of their health.

Get an annual checkup. Scheduling an annual visit to see your doctor is important whether you’re feeling well or having some health issues. If you notice a change in your health or body function—from your mental state to vision loss or chest pain—make sure you see a physician and don’t ignore it. Feeling well? Still schedule an appointment to see your doctor. Men have a higher tendency than women to ignore pain or discomfort, so the fact you feel well doesn’t always mean you are, in fact, well.  

Maintain an active lifestyle. It is recommended for healthy adults to get at least 150 minutes of moderate (or 75 minutes of vigorous) aerobic activity a week. With heart disease being the leading cause of death for males in the US, regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease while lowering your cholesterol, reducing triglycerides in your blood and lowering your risk for high blood pressure. If you haven’t exercised in a while, start small with 30-minute increments of brisk walking or engage in a ball game with family or friends. Make sure you choose activities that fit your age and fitness level so that it doesn’t add strain on your heart.

Nourish your body. Men tend to be more accepting of their bodies than women are and, as a result, they often have a more relaxed attitude toward their food choices. As such, men tend to eat more meat and bread, they take bigger bites, and they eat faster than women do. But a well-rounded diet is key for optimal health regardless of one’s gender, age, or health status. Aim to include a variety of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis so that your body can get the nutrients it needs. A healthy, low-fat diet might also reduce prostate growth and the risk of prostate cancer.

Get enough sleep and rest. Men tend to think they need less sleep and that they can overcome sleep deprivation better than women do. In reality, good sleep is probably the single most important ingredient for better health—for men and women alike. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends a minimum seven hours of sleep per night for healthy adults so prioritizing sleep is key.

Treat yourself. There is tremendous awareness and interest for women to engage in self-care activities. But men deserve—and need—time to treat themselves and feel pampered just as much. Do something for yourself today—whether it’s practicing yoga, taking a bath, or getting a massage. It’ll reduce your stress and make you feel much better about yourself and your day.