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 14.2% of men aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health.

June is Men’s Health Month, which is a good reminder for men to take care of both their physical and mental health. This includes getting regular checkups and screenings, especially as they get older. By following these simple tips, men can take control of their health and improve their overall well-being all year long.

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.

Many serious health problems that men face, like colorectal or prostate cancer, can often be treated and even cured if they are found early. That’s why we encourage men to schedule a yearly checkup and follow their doctor’s advice about screenings and vaccines—especially for those over 40, since the risk for many health issues increases with age.

Tip 2: Incorporate more movement into your day.

Regular physical activity is important for everyone's health. It helps the heart work better, supports healthy weight, improves mental health, and lowers the risk of long-term diseases. The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days, each week.

Some adults find it hard to meet these goals because of desk jobs, health issues, or other challenges. If you are not very active, try to slowly add more movement to your day. Even a small amount of exercise is better than none.

Tip 3: Maintain a healthy weight.

From 2021-2023, about 40.3% of men in the United States were considered obese, which means they had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Carrying extra weight—especially with age—raises the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and sleep apnea.

Many things can affect a person’s weight, such as genetics, age, daily habits, family history, culture, sleep quality, and even where they live and work. Some of these factors can make it harder to stay at a healthy weight. Staying active and eating a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein can help support better health.

Tip 4: Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Many studies show that smoking and drinking alcohol often go together.

Approximately 11.5% of men age 18 or older currently smoke cigarettes, and approximately 1 in 4 men have 5 or more drinks in one setting within a typical month. Recent national survey data shows that roughly 65 to 75% of adult cigarette smokers also report drinking alcohol.

People know that smoking increases the risk of long-term physical and mental health problems. When smoking is combined with heavy alcohol use, the risk of harm to your health becomes much higher. Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol can greatly improve your overall 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 CDC reports that men in the United States died by suicide at a rate almost four times higher than women in 2024.

Many men are less likely to get help for their mental health because of social pressure about what it means to be “manly.” Some people wrongly believe that asking for help shows weakness or makes someone less masculine. Because of this, many men’s mental health problems are not noticed or treated.

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 care of your health doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can start with small, healthy habits you practice every day. Men’s Health Month is a strong reminder that health matters all year long. 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.

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