Guide to Men’s Health

Hey guys, this one’s for you! National Men’s Health Week is June 12-18, and we hope this guide serves as a reminder to check-in on your health not only this week, but all year round. After all, you aren’t able to work hard, take care of your loved ones, and enjoy your favorite hobbies without staying healthy first. Take a moment to review this checklist provided by the Mayo Clinic:

• Stop avoiding the doctor

Many people think that because they aren’t feeling sick, that they don’t need to go to the doctor. Wrong! Keeping up with your annual physicals helps to maintain the health you have now, and preventing diseases. This is especially important if you have health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Your yearly checkup is also a great time to schedule any cancer screenings, bloodwork, or vaccinations needed.

*Looking for healthcare, dental care, vision care, at free or reduced cost? Search for doctors in your area using HUBB by Healthy West Orange. Click here to use the online database, or call 407-337-6920 to be connected to our Consumer Information Specialist, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am until 2 pm, and Thursdays until 7 pm.

• Don’t smoke or quit smoking!

Smokers have twice the risk of dying from heart disease as nonsmokers. Need help to quit smoking? Check out Free to Quit West Orange for quitting resources. It’s also important to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution and chemicals, such as those in the workplace as much as possible.

• Eat healthy

A healthy diet is a major tool in preventing certain diseases. To create a healthy eating plan that works for you, focus on small, manageable steps that will add up to big changes. For example; switch out sugary drinks for water, add vegetables and fruits to meals and snacks, choose whole grains, and lean sources of protein, such as seafood. For more healthy eating tips, check out our blog here!

• Maintain a healthy weight

Keeping a healthy body weight is another important tool in preventing certain diseases like heart disease and cancer. Be sure to work with your doctor to determine a healthy weight for you.

• Stay active

Choose a physical activity that you enjoy, and then it won’t feel like “working out”. This could be going hiking, playing golf, or kayaking. Regular exercise can help to maintain a healthy weight, lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, and possibly lower your risk of some types of cancer. The Mayo Clinic recommends that healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Need some workout motivation? Check out the Healthy West Orange Carrot App for fitness challenges!

• Limit alcohol

If you do drink alcohol, drink in moderation. This means up to two drinks a day if you are age 65 or younger and one drink a day if you are older than age 65. Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. The risk of liver cancer is shown to increase with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you’ve been drinking regularly. To learn more about the effects of alcohol, binge drinking, hangover relief tips, and drinking safety, check out our partnered blogs with Drink Effects.

• Manage stress and mental health

If you feel like you have too much on your plate, it’s time to prioritize your stress management and mental health. Feeling totally overwhelmed and under pressure can affect both your mental health and physical health alike. Constant stress can cause fatigue, headaches, stomach issues, depression, sleep problems, and more. It’s important to recognize stressors and develop coping strategies for yourself. Take a look at this resource by Cleveland Clinic to learn about healthy coping strategies for stress.

*Suicide is a leading men’s health risk. An important risk factor for suicide among men is depression. If you have signs and symptoms of depression — such as feeling sad or worthless and a loss of interest in normal activities — talk to your doctor. Help and treatment is available. If you’re contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Alright guys, your challenge for this week is: schedule your annual doctor’s appointment, eat extra veggies, get your muscles moving, and take time for self-care and mental health. Snap a Healthy Selfie while you’re at it and tag @healthywestorange! We’re always here to cheer you on in your healthy journey.