Take Charge of Your Health
June is Men's Health Month
6/14/2023
Dr. Charles Hayes, Aspirus Family Medicine Resident
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):
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.”
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).
Quit smoking. Smoking causes cancer, heart
disease, stroke, and a greater risk of erectile disfunction.
Prioritize your mental well-being. Life can get
tough, and thinking things through with a mental health professional can help.
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.
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.
“See your provider
even if you’re feeling healthy because regular check-ups can catch small
problems before they become big problems,” says Dr. Hayes.
Dr. Hayes sees
patients at Aspirus Wausau Family Medicine. If you’re in need of a primary care
provider, visit www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider
to find one in your area.
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