Five Men’s Health Tips Your Future Self Will Thank You For

It’s no secret that men should pay more attention to their health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 13.2% of men aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health.

June is Men’s Health Month, a vital reminder for men to prioritize their physical and mental health with regular checkups and screenings, especially as they age. Men can take charge of their health and wellness with these practical tips.

Tip 1: Pay attention to your health.

The Cleveland Clinic’s recent survey about men’s health found that only 42% of men go to the doctor when they are afraid they have a serious medical condition. Even more concerning, only 12% would turn to a doctor first if they had a health issue.

But many of the potentially serious health issues that men face, such as colorectal or prostate cancer, can be treated and even cured when caught early. That’s why we encourage men to schedule an annual checkup and follow through with any recommended screening tests or immunizations—especially those older than 40, since risk factors for most health conditions increase as men age.

Tip 2: Incorporate more movement into your day.

Regular physical activity is essential to men's health. It contributes to improved heart function, effective weight control, enhanced mental health, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and at least two days of muscle-strengthening activity weekly for adults.

Some adults find meeting that goal challenging due to sedentary jobs, mobility issues, and other factors. If you are not physically active, gradually add more movement to your day. Some exercise is always better than none.

Tip 3: Maintain a healthy weight.

As of 2021-2023, 40.3% of men in the United States were considered obese, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Carrying extra weight—especially as you age— increases the likelihood of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, multiple different types of cancer, sleep apnea and other chronic physical health issues.

Many factors influence weight, including your genes, age, daily habits, family history, culture, how well you sleep—even where you live and work. Some of these can make maintaining a healthy weight more challenging. The key is to remain physically active and eat a healthy diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins.

Tip 4: Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Many studies confirm the link between smoking and alcohol consumption. Approximately 12.5% of men age 18 or older currently smoke cigarettes, and 30.9% have five or more drinks in one day at least once a year. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 86% of adult smokers drink alcohol, and smokers are 1.32 times more likely to drink than non-smokers.

It’s common knowledge that smoking directly increases the risk of chronic physical and mental health problems. Combine smoking with excessive alcohol consumption, and the chance of negative health effects increases significantly. Kicking the smoking habit and limiting your alcohol intake directly improves your quality of life.

Tip 5: Manage your mental health.

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America states that nearly 1 in 10 experience depression or anxiety, but less than half receive treatment. The National Institute of Mental Health found that men in the United States died by suicide at a rate four times higher than women in 2022.

Many men are less likely to seek mental health help due to persistent social stigmas surrounding masculinity. The false belief that asking for support is a sign of weakness or emasculating significantly contributes to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental health issues among men. There’s no shame in taking care of your mental health. Talking to your primary care provider (PCP) about any mental health concerns is a great place to start.

Your Health Can’t Wait

Taking charge of your health doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it starts with small, consistent healthy habits. Men’s Health Month is a powerful reminder that your well-being matters every day of the year. Make your health a priority by scheduling your annual checkup and staying up to date with recommended screenings and immunizations.

To schedule an appointment with Northshore Urological Associates, call (985) 230-2778.