Men’s Health Month: Take charge of your health

Men’s Health Month, observed annually in June, serves as a dedicated time to raise awareness about the unique health challenges faced by men and encourage them to prioritize their well-being. This month-long campaign aims to educate men and their families on preventive measures, promote early detection of diseases and inspire positive lifestyle choices.

Men often face distinct health concerns compared to women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average, men have a shorter life expectancy and are more prone to conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. The good news is that you can start taking steps to improve your health today.

“It’s never too late to start healthier habits. Small, functional changes like adding more vegetables to meals, taking a walk instead of watching TV or drinking water instead of soda can add up to big results,” says Charles Hayes, DO, Aspirus Family Medicine Resident.

Aspirus offers the following tips for taking charge of your health, with help from the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): 1. Eat healthy and get active. A healthy eating routine and regular physical activity can help control your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight. By keeping these numbers in a healthy range, you can lower your risk of serious health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In terms of dietary changes, Dr. Hayes recommends limiting saturated fat and processed food intake, as well as overall sugar consumption. He says to “aim to make vegetables, such as leafy greens, the primary source of your daily calories.”

2. If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. There is strong scientific evidence that drinking alcohol increases the risk for cancer, including cancers of the mouth and throat, liver, breast (in women) and colon and rectum, and for some types of cancer, the risk increases even at low levels of alcohol consumption (less than 1 drink in a day).

3. Quit smoking. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and a greater risk of erectile disfunction.

4. Prioritize your mental well-being. Life can get tough, and thinking things through with a mental health professional can help.

5. Know your family’s health history. You don’t have to be embarrassed to talk about your health. Start by talking to family members to find out which diseases run in your family, then share this information with your provider.

6. Get preventative care. Many people think of health care providers as someone to see when they’re sick. But they also provide services — like screening tests and vaccines — that help keep you from getting sick in the first place.