June is Men’s Health Month, and that means that it’s time to spread the word about simple actions men can take to prevent many health problems and detect disease early to provide for better treatment options.
The statistics on men’s health speak for themselves. Did you know:
- Men are more likely than women to engage in activities that put their health at risk (such as drinking, smoking, etc.)
- One in two men will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
- Men are more likely than women to die from heart disease, cancer, diabetes and suicide.
The good news is that taking care of your health doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. Here are four tips you can incorporate into your routine today for a healthier tomorrow.
Schedule routine physicals.
Many men only go to see a doctor when they are sick, but routine physicals can help you from getting sick in the first place. Some serious illnesses don’t have any symptoms in the early stages (when they are most treatable), so regular physicals can help with early detection.
Be sure as well to talk to your doctor about any illnesses or health conditions that run in your family, as this will help them determine health risks to watch for and any additional screenings you should have.
Do monthly testicular self-exams.
Did you know that testicular cancer is extremely treatable when it is caught early enough? And the best way to catch it is to do monthly testicular self-exams.
Exercise at least 2.5 hours per week.
People who are physically active tend to be less at risk for serious health conditions and generally live longer. For people who have chronic conditions, regular exercise can often lessen their symptoms and help prevent complications.
Additionally, physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety, help you sleep better, and improve your overall feeling of well-being. You don’t have to run a marathon; you can start by taking a walk. Find physical activities you enjoy and get moving!
Manage stress with self-care.
Self-care is more than having a spa day or pampering oneself. It can be saying no to taking on additional work, confiding in a trusted friend that you’re struggling with mental health, or making small lifestyle changes such as eating at regular times or improving your sleep hygiene.
In Canada, men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide. It is more important than ever to normalize self-care for men. Self-care is going to look different for everyone, but it essentially means that you are taking care of yourself so you can be physically and mentally healthy enough to do what you want and need to do and also be able to take care of others.
Contact Brant Arts today.
Are you looking for ways that you can improve your health this month? Speak to one of the pharmacists at Brant Arts about your concerns!
