Men’s Health Month is a great time to take a moment and analyze our health. As men, taking care of our health is often something we either put off or disregard. Not feeling okay is something that we try to hide or refuse to admit, often because of societal stereotypes. Men have been found less likely to reach out or seek health care, but it’s okay not to feel okay.
Did you know that prostate cancer is the 2nd cause of cancer death in America (Institute, 2022)? Or, that one in three men is considered overweight (NIH, 2021)? And surprisingly, men die by suicide 3.88x more than women (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2022). These are just a few of the concerning health problems affecting men today.
Whether it is trying to lose weight, cope with traumatic events, or manage daily stress, men must take charge of their health. Ultimately, we are all just aiming to be our best selves. I hope that during June, we can all look at our lives and lifestyles and commit to seeking improvements. What steps can we take to be more proactive about our health? Below are four tips to take charge of your health in the month of June.
Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit
Men are less likely to seek medical treatment than women. We all get busy, but don’t skip out on your yearly visits to the doctor. These visits are great opportunities to bring up all issues that may be affecting you. The annual wellness visit is crucial to creating a prevention plan, even if you feel great. This one trip to a medical professional can prevent future health issues or catch an illness before it becomes serious.
Make Small Diet Changes
Diet is the most critical indicator of future health. But don’t strive for perfection; work on improving your diet. Personally, I am not a big believer in specific diets. I recommend people choose what works for them. Take small steps, like reducing your fat intake, cutting back on snacking, or eating smaller portions. Each small step and lifestyle change is a step in the right direction.
Increase your exercise
Exercise is another crucial thing we can do to improve our life and health! It is amazing (and sometimes honestly annoying) how even a simple walk outside or taking a few minutes to sit and enjoy the weather can make you feel better. You don’t have to start out formulating a giant workout method or even sign up for a gym. Much like improving your diet, small changes make big differences.
Discuss Your Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. But many men have a stigma about talking about their mental health and asking for help.
Talking about stressors, sadness, fears, and traumas is essential. Sharing your feelings is like a giant lift off your shoulders. Remember, talking about your mental health is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength.
These are only a few things we can all do to help improve our health. The key to improving your health is to take small steps and not be too hard on yourself if you don’t ALWAYS follow your plan. Things come up, and sometimes we forget. Stay with it, even when you fall short. Be consistent, and if you stick to these habits beyond Men’s Health Month, you will reap the rewards all year long.
By Arron Cyr.
Aaron Cyr is Director of Assessments and Evaluations at Arizona College of Nursing. Cyr is an experienced registered nurse with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and health care industry. He holds a master’s degree in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University.
Information in this blog post is accurate as of June 16, 2022.