GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - June is Men's Health Month -- a time to encourage men and young boys about the importance of practicing a healthy lifestyle. Amy Ritsema from OnSite Wellness joined 13 On Your Side with how men can stay on top of their health, as well as ways women can encourage the men in their lives to put their health first.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, men should keep these 5 things in mind:
1. Protect your heart
- Heart disease is the number one killer of men
- Healthier food choices build a healthier heart – make fruit and veggies half of your plate
2. You don’t have to lift
- Getting just 30 minutes of exercise each day can help you live a longer and healthier life
3. Preventive maintenance
- Most guys spend more time and energy on prevention of their cars than they do their bodies
- Getting regular check-ups can catch small problems before they become big problems
- Blood pressure checked at least every 2 years if healthy.
- Cholesterol every 5 years if healthy starting at age 35
- Get a diabetes screening done, especially if you have high blood pressure
- Prostate screenings should be discussed with a physician at age 50
- Colorectal cancer screening should be done at age 50
- Depression screenings anytime especially if you have felt down, sad or hopeless.
3. Quitting Time
- Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and a greater risk of erectile dysfunction
4. Mental Health
- Life can get tough, and talking things through with a mental health professional can help.
How can women help the men in their lives?
- Women are more apt to do preventive screenings
- Encourage – remind them to do it for their families if they don’t want to do it for themselves
- Ask if you can make the appointment for them
- Have open communication, help write questions for the doctor they can take along
- Watch for symptoms in your loved ones
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