June is Men’s Health Month. It’s a reminder for men to be healthier, but they don’t have to do it alone! Men are more likely than women to smoke, drink, make unhealthy and risky health choices, and neglect regular checkups and medical care. These are some reasons men need to pay more attention to their health. 

What are some threats to men’s health?

There are some health conditions that affect only men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. 

In addition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top causes of death among adult men in the U.S. are heart disease, cancer, accidental injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke. 

How can men achieve physical and mental fitness?

Men can prevent the top threats that affect them and live a longer, healthier life with the following tips. 

1. Follow a healthy diet 

Having healthy habits and making healthy choices is one of the key steps to improve fitness. 

Aim for a healthy diet by choosing more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods, and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats such as red meat and added sugar and sodium. Limit smoking and drinking alcohol. 

2. Maintain a healthy weight

Keep a watch on your weight. Losing excess pounds and keeping them off can lower your risk of chronic conditions. 

3. Be active

Get moving. Regular exercise helps you control your weight, and may lower your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. All physical activity benefits your health, and you can choose anything you enjoy – soccer, tennis, basketball, brisk walking, yoga, or pilates.

4. Manage stress

Depression and suicide are other threats to men’s health. Mental health is as important as physical fitness. It’s essential to learn to deal with stress in healthy ways. Your doctor can help you with tips to improve your mental fitness. 

For any signs and symptoms of depression such as feelings of persistent sadness, a sense of worthlessness, decreased energy, a loss of interest in normal activities, and thoughts of suicide, please talk to your doctor. Treatment is available for mental health conditions. 

Those that suffer from depression or anxiety should seek help as early as possible. 

If you or someone you care about is in a mental help crisis, please seek help immediately. Depending on the level of urgency, you can:

• Call 911
• Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor.
• Contact your healthcare provider and consider bringing up mental health concerns.

5. Have regular appointments with your doctor

The health conditions men are prone to can be prevented, treated, or managed with early diagnosis. Have regular appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations if you have health issues, such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, or diabetes. Ask your doctor about preventive care, such as screenings, vaccinations, and other health evaluations. Learn about the benefits and risks of screening and talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors. Screening tests can find diseases early when they are easier to treat.

Top recommended health exams/screenings for men include:

• Physical exam to check your Body Mass Index and metabolic panel, screen for unhealthy blood pressure and cholesterol, and help you with lifestyle and stress management.
• Cholesterol screening every five years. Those with risk factors, such as high cholesterol, kidney disease, heart disease, or other factors may need to be screened more often.  
• Diabetes screening every three years for those ages 45 and older. Asian Americans should be screened if their BMI is over 23. Additionally, anyone with risk factors, such as a strong family history or a blood pressure reading above 140/80 mm Hg, should be screened for diabetes.
• Colorectal cancer screening for those ages 50 to 75. Those under 50, but with a strong family history of colon cancer or polyps, should also be screened. 
• Prostate cancer screening for most men above the age of 50. For African Americans and those with a first-degree relative under the age of 65 with prostate cancer, screenings should start at age 45.
• Testicular exam performed by a physician.
• Lung cancer screening for those who have a history of 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years.
• Osteoporosis screening for men between the ages of 50 and 70 with risk factors for osteoporosis should discuss screening with primary care providers.

Don’t wait to visit your primary care doctor until something is seriously wrong with your health. Your doctor can be your best support and guide for maintaining health and preventing disease. 

Final Thoughts

Understanding the risks to men’s health is one thing. Taking action to reduce the risks is another. Start by following the above tips and work toward a healthier lifestyle.

You can always consult Dr. Arun Villivalam, your primary care physician serving Los Gatos, Campbell, and Saratoga CA, about your health.