June is National Men’s Health Month. So, we’re taking time to get to down to business about your health. It may be tempting to put off health screenings or implement healthy practices, but the best way to prevent severe health problems is to maintain healthy practices and consistent screenings. Here’s how you can make sure your health is in good shape.
Schedule a Prostate Exam
According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer sometime in his lifetime. In 2018 alone, there have already been 164,690 new cases of prostate cancer. Though African-American men and men whose direct male relatives were diagnosed with prostate cancer are at a higher risk, men who are 50 or older should talk with their doctor and see if a prostate exam screening is recommended for them. If so, prostate screening should take place every two years (or every year for those at a higher risk).
Keep up with Routine Heart Disease Checkups
Heart disease is one of the prominent health risks facing men’s health. Common heart disease-related illnesses include:
- Heart failure
- Coronary heart disease
- Arrhythmias
- Angina
- Heart-related infections
Further, men who are obese, drink excessively, have high cholesterol or are diabetic are at high risk of developing heart disease. Therefore, your healthcare provider may recommend testing as early as 20 years old. Once you start screening for heart disease, it is recommended that you get tested at least every 2-3 years depending on your health history.
Eat a Balanced, Nutrient-Rich Diet
One of the best ways to prevent severe health risks is to maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. Along with our exercise regimens, our eating habits greatly affect our overall health—even our mental health. Therefore, it’s important to supplement our diets with plenty of nutrient-dense foods like:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Healthy fats from foods like avocado and olive oil
- Fish
- Lean meats like turkey
- Whole grains
Secondly, make sure your plate is portioned and balanced correctly. Below is the recommended portions on a plate from Choose My Plate, a branch of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
(Photo Credit: Choose My Plate, via)
Drink Alcohol in Moderation
Alcohol can either be a benefit or detrimental to your health, depending on how much you consume. Certain alcohols, like red wine, can have a healthy impact on your heart health. However, excessive drinking can lead to liver disease, cardiovascular disease as well as an increased risk of cancer. So if you drink, keep it to a moderate amount such as 1-2 drinks a day maximum. Recommended ounces include:
- Beer: 12 fluid ounces
- Wine: 5 fluid ounces
- Distilled spirits (80 proof): 1.5 fluid ounces
We’re here to make sure your health stays in check. If you have a general health question pertaining to men’s health or would like to schedule a screening, schedule an appointment with us today.