Men’s health isn’t an issue many people talk about. Men are usually the ones to “tough it out” or say, “I’m okay, I don’t need to go to the doctor.” They see themselves as the caretaker of everyone else, so why do they need to worry about themselves? If you’re a man and can relate to these feelings, it’s time to put your guard down and take care of yourself. Especially as you age, it’s important to pay attention to your overall health and prevent health issues by getting screened ahead of time and staying up-to-date on your annual doctor visits.

National Men’s Health Week is June 11 – 17, 2018. While it’s highlighted during this week, men should make a point to pay attention to their health all of the time. There are many ways for men to help prevent health issues from happening to them, even at the age of 65. Men’s health isn’t just an issue for the “men” to worry about. It’s for your son, daughter, wife, or even friends to help and encourage you to take action for your own health.

Annual Doctor Visits

According to the CDC, women are 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual exams and preventative services than men. One way you can take action and get ahead of any potential health issues is to schedule your annual doctor visit – and actually go to it! You wouldn’t skip an oil change for your car, so why would you miss an appointment to take care of yourself? Work with your doctor to figure out what’s the best schedule for you. Most likely, your doctor will take into consideration your previous health and your family’s history of diseases. If you’re a male in your 60s, you can expect to be examined for the following things.

A typical male in his 60s is examined for:

• Blood pressure
• Height/weight
• Screening for prostate cancer or testicular cancer
• Vision and hearing
• Depression
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Annual Electrocardiogram

Rather than waiting for a symptom to appear, it’s best to be screened and get ahead of any potential. You can also make small lifestyle changes to help your body “age well.”

Eat Healthy Meals and Get Moving

Having a balanced diet of healthy fruits and vegetables, whole grains and dairy is a simple way to get started on eating better. Not sure where to start? Rather than reaching for dessert every night, replace your ice cream bowl with cut-up fruit or switch out your daily can of sparkling water or plain water. Making a small change each day can add up to bigger changes over time, leading to a healthier you.

Staying active is also a great way to keep your health under control. Find ways to incorporate light to moderate exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Rake the leaves, mow the lawn, or go for a walk. Get outside and get your body moving. Choose an activity you enjoy.

Be Educated on Health Issues

The more you know, the less you need to question certain health issues. Get familiar with your family history of health issues. From heart attacks, high blood pressure, or cancer, make a list of the health issues your family has faced in the past and discuss them with your doctor. This can help you both to create a plan of when to schedule preventable screening and other appointments.

It’s also important to know the facts that men can have a higher risk of certain diseases than women. From heart disease, cancer, and strokes, there is a higher chance of men having these health issues. This information isn’t meant to scare you, it’s meant to inform you and help you take control of your own health.

While this information isn’t meant to scare you, rather inform you and other men to take action and do something about it.

The more you know, the better equipped you are to take control of your own health. While men’s health week is talked about only once a year, make it a point to talk about it every day of the year. Taking care of your health rather than waiting for a symptom to show up can help you live an overall healthier life.

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