Stay Healthy Tough Guy

June is Men’s Health Month. The purpose of this month is to spread awareness of preventable health concerns and encourage men of all ages to get regular check-ups and screenings for early detection of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and depression.

According to the CDC, Cardiovascular disease (or heart disease) is the number one cause of death for men. Prostate and colon cancer are two main causes of death from cancer for men. Prostate cancer is specific to men because women do not have prostate glands. There are different types of treatments and screenings for colon cancer. Women are more likely than men to visit a doctor for annual examinations and preventive services. When men do not get regular check-ups, they put themselves at risk of life-threatening diseases.

Here are some tips for men on maintaining a healthy life:

Eat Right and Watch Your Weight
A healthy diet can prevent many health risks and maintain a healthy weight. Men who are obese are more likely to develop complications such as diabetes and heart disease.

Get a Colonoscopy and Prostate Exam
Getting regular check-ups helps early detection. As men age, they should consider regular prostate exams and colonoscopy.

Practice Safe Sex
It is very essential to take precautions to prevent STDs (Sexual Transmitted Diseases) by wearing condoms.

Exercise
Regular exercise is important for your overall health because it boosts not only your physical health, but mental health.

Be Kind to Your Mind
The stigma surrounded around men’s mental health causes men to not seek the necessary treatment. If you or a loved one may be experiencing signs of a mental illness, visit www.mhascreening.org to take their free and confidential screen for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and/or Alcohol or Substance Use problems.