Celebrating Men’s Health Week June 12-18
Men have a long-standing reputation for being “bad about going to the doctor”, and unfortunately, there is statistical data to back this up. According to a national survey by Cleveland Clinic, 53% of white men reported that they do not get regular health screenings, and 63% of men of color reported not getting regular health screenings.
June 12–18 is Men’s Health Week, which is a time to encourage men to take charge of their health and turn those statistics around. It’s crucial to be aware of your family history as well as the risks for your age, ethnicity, and lifestyle.
Visiting Your Primary Care Provider
One of the top things you can do to stay healthy is to regularly see your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP is your home base and first stop for all of your health concerns and preventative needs. Whether you’ve been dealing with persistent headaches, digestive issues, a concerning mole, trouble sleeping, or feeling depressed, your PCP is a great resource to set you on the right treatment path. They can order x-rays, labs, prescribe medicine, and refer you to a specialist for anything outside family medicine.
Early Detection is Key
Even if you are not facing any current health challenges, it’s still important to visit your provider at least once a year for a physical exam. Yearly physical exams are the best way to keep on top of regular health screenings you may be due for. These screenings can detect serious diseases— such as cancer or diabetes—at earlier stages when treatment is most effective. Your primary care provider can also help you to set exercise and nutrition goals that fit your unique needs best at this appointment.
Getting Active
Men’s Health Week is a great time to set healthy goals for yourself and move around more. A good starting goal is to get 150 minutes of activity per week. You don’t have to be a runner or a weight lifter to get your regular exercise in. With warmer weather and longer days, there are many creative ways to stay active without going to a gym. Check out the American Heart Association’s 25 Ways to Move More During Summer for some great ideas.
Whatever you choose to do outside, remember to hydrate often and always apply sunscreen!
If you are biking, rollerblading or skateboarding, always wear a helmet.
Eating Healthy
Consuming a balanced and nutritious diet is another great way to stay healthy and prevent disease. The next time you have a cookout, swap out the red meat for chicken or fish, and incorporate some grilled vegetables and fruits to make it tasty and healthy.
Summer is also the perfect time to plant a garden and grow your own vegetables. Limited on yard space or living in an apartment? That’s no problem—read eatright.org’s article on starting a container garden to learn how you can grow veggies indoors.
For more tips on incorporating healthy meals into your lifestyle, visit: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart.
Schedule an appointment today!
Our primary care providers at St. Vincent Family Health Center are here for you. Call us today to get your yearly physical on the calendar at 719-486-0230.
Share this blog with all the men in your life who need to schedule their yearly physical. If you are one of those men, set an example for the next generation by practicing healthier habits and regularly visiting your provider. Together we can improve men’s health and wellness!
