Father’s Day is preceded by Men’s Health Week June 13 – 19, which seeks to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. 

Excluding pregnancy-related visits, women see their doctors for preventive care twice as often as men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Men’s reluctance to seek professional medical care can lead to health problems.  Take the following steps every day to live a safer and healthier life:

Get checkups:

• Ask your doctor or nurse how you can lower your chances for health problems based on lifestyle and personal and family health histories.
• Find out what exams, tests and shots you need and when to get them.
• See your doctor or nurse as often as recommended. Also seek care if you feel sick, have pain, notice changes or have problems with medicine.

Eat healthy :

• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains every day.
• Avoid foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt and fat; limit alcohol.
• Eat a balanced diet to help keep a healthy weight.

Be active:

• Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles.
• Help children and teens be active for at least one hour a day. Include activities that raise their breathing and heart rates and that strengthen their muscles and bones.

Protect yourself:

• Wear helmets, seat belts, sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Wash hands to stop the spread of germs.
• Avoid smoking and breathing other people’s smoke.
• Build safe and healthy relationships with family and friends.
• Be ready for emergencies. Make a supply kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

Manage stress:

• Balance work, home and play.
• Get support from family and friends.
• Stay positive.
• Take time to relax.
• Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Make sure kids get more, based on their age.
• Get help or counseling if needed.

Resources

Men’s Health Network - Checkup Checklist (page 2)

CDC Fact Sheet - Cancer and Men

CDC Quiz: Test your Men’s Health Knowledge