4 Ways to Prioritize Men’s Health

There are so many reasons why we love the men in our lives. Between their strength, intellect, and selflessness – they also take on a lot of responsibilities. They prioritize taking care of their families, friends, jobs, and their communities. But we know they can also be stubborn…especially when it comes to taking care of their own health.

Because we love all the men in our lives, whether it be your husband, father, grandfather, son, or your friend, it’s important to show them just how much we care by stressing the impact their health has on their loved ones. Since June is National Men’s Health Month, let’s encourage them to make their well-being a priority and support them on their journey to good health.

So, let’s get them talking! What are some things men can do to prioritize their health?

Schedule annual exams to prevent and catch potentially serious issues early

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), men are 80% less likely to visit the doctor for annual checkups than women are. The easiest thing men can do for their health is schedule an annual physical exam. At Aylo Health, we provide personalized care so annual physical exams are customized depending on each patient’s circumstances and health history. Scheduling an annual physical exam is important because they doctor can identify potentially serious issues early on.

For example, did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? High Blood Pressure is the #1 factor that heads to heart disease and stroke and according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 51.9% of men age 20 and older have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Unfortunately, there are usually little to no symptoms of hypertension. That’s why it is SO important for the men in your life to schedule their physical exams. If they’re at risk for something like hypertension, the doctor will check their blood pressure and educate them on the steps to lower the risk of high blood pressure.

In many cases, age-appropriate preventative screenings are completely covered by insurance, so there are no excuses to skip an annual physical exam!

Get that exercise in

Getting enough exercise and physical activity doesn’t have to mean going to the gym every day. Exercise can be accomplished through fun activities with friends and family. According to the current Physical Guidelines for Americans, adults need to focus on exercising regularly. Getting in the proper amount of exercise can be accomplished through one of the following:

• 2 hours and 30 minutes to 5 hours of moderate exercise a week or 30 minutes 5 days a week, or
• At least 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity a week, or
• An equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity

In addition, adults should perform muscle-strengthening activities that involve all muscle groups on two or more days a week.

Some fun ideas to get physical activity in could be taking the dog on walks regularly, playing ball with the kids once a week, enjoying scenery on an outdoor hike, or go ahead and hit the gym if that’s your thing!

Establish healthy eating habits

Sugary and salty snacks may taste good, but its important to enjoy them in moderation. Instead, focus on incorporating non-processed foods, here are some examples:

• Whole grains like brown rice and whole-grain breads help fuel your body better than processed grains
• Fiber rich foods like beans, legumes, and leafy greens keep you feeling full to avoid snacking on unhealthy foods
• Lean meats including chicken, turkey, and lean ground beef are good sources of protein that contain less saturated fat and and are rich in iron

Pay attention to your mental health

There’s more to being healthy than the physical aspect. The past year and a half have been tough for everyone in different ways, which is why now is the time to pay attention to your mental health. Though men may not always want to talk it out, it’s important to take the time to relax and have conversations about stressors and challenges. In 2018, men were less likely than women to have received mental health treatment than women. There is no shame in men getting the mental help they need. Schedule an appointment with one of our providers so we can provide the appropriate care, education and treatment.

You can join in celebrating men’s health month by sharing these health and wellness tips with the men in your life. If anything, we hope men’s health month is a reminder to schedule that annual physical!

At Aylo Health, we care about our patients’ continued health and well-being, we’re here to help keep you and your family on the road to good health. To schedule an annual screening, book an appointment online or call 470-369-9741.