Despite the advances of medical technology, males are still at an increased risk of succumbing to certain chronic health conditions and diseases that are preventable. With June being Men’s Health Month, the message from the medical community is clear, get checked! Created by the U.S. Congress in 1994, the goal of this awareness month is to shed light on these health issues and encourage males of all ages to seek early detection and treatment.
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes are some of the leading causes of death in men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Being that National Men’s Health Week also kicks off this week (June 12 – 18), here are five ways to improve your health.
Keep Safe and Prevent Unintentional Injuries
Males are the victims of more than 92 % of workplace deaths and 54.7% of injuries, according to the Men’s Health Network. While the construction industry had the highest count of fatal injuries in 2012, the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sectors had the highest fatal work injury rate. Whether you’re at work, home or just hanging out, take precautions to safeguard yourself from harmful exposures or potential dangerous situations to prevent injuries.
Avoid Smoking
For those that don’t smoke, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke at all possible times. If you are a smoker (or chew tobacco), quit immediately! Why? Smoking claims more than 480,000 lives per year in the U.S., making it the leading cause of preventable deaths. Of that number, men have the highest percentage of those who smoke.
Ninety percent of lung cancers are caused by smoking, which greatly increases the risk of other cancers such as kidney, pancreas, mouth and esophagus. It’s never too late to quit smoking. There are plenty of resources and other forms of support available to help you kick this habit!
Eat Healthy
Like the saying goes, ‘You are what you eat.’ Incorporate regular healthy selections into your daily meals such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean protein. These food groups are rich in nutrients and vitamins that greatly impact the functions of muscles, bones, digestive and immune systems, and more. Men who tend to eat a lot of red meat and high-fat foods are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and various other health issues.
Stay Active
In addition to eating healthy, regular physical activity also plays a crucial part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A good diet and consistent exercising can help you control your weight, thus lowering your risk of heart disease, obesity and other health conditions.It’s recommended that you do at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity workouts daily.
Get Checked
According to the CDC, women are 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men. This statistic is troublesome since many of the top 10 causes of death among men are preventable, and can be treated with early detection. Behind heart disease, the second leading cause of death for men is cancer, particularly prostate cancer.
Immediately visit your doctor if you notice any abnormalities with your body. Getting routine exams and tests to check your health is the best prevention method from many of these diseases. If certain illnesses run in the family, ask your physician about taking early risk assessments and cancer screenings, and other health evaluations.
Looking different ways to enhance your health and prevent heart disease? Click here to read “FEELING RED: HOW INFRARED SAUNAS ARE GAINING POPULARITY” to learn more.
