Acknowledging the Importance of Men’s Health

Each June, we celebrate Men’s Health Month in an ongoing effort to educate men, boys, and their families about receiving regular disease prevention screenings and living healthier lifestyles. As men age, their health needs change, making maintaining good health a lifelong task. There are things you can do throughout the years, however, to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Here are a few ways get started, no matter your age.

In Your 20s and 30s

Men often feel invincible when they are younger, but health issues can arise at any age. Developing poor habits in younger years can lead to avoidable health issues later on in life. Here a few healthy habits to establish now:

• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and strength training.
• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. Limit your intake of processed and sugary foods.
• Be mindful of risky behaviors: Minimize your alcohol use (no more than two drinks per day), quit smoking (or better yet, don’t start), refrain from texting and other distractions while driving, and use protection if you’re sexually active.
• Schedule regular exams and timely screenings: Get a flu shot every year and follow your provider’s recommendations for a cholesterol screening (usually beginning at age 35) and a skin cancer exam. Every two years, get your blood pressure checked and have a vision exam.

In Your 40s and 50s

As men enter their 40s and 50s, it’s essential to continue the healthy habits established earlier in life and to address age-specific concerns:

• Adjust your exercise routine: Focus on strength, flexibility, and balance, and incorporate activities like yoga or swimming to help prevent muscle and joint problems.
• Eat a Mediterranean diet, which studies have linked with lower risk factors for heart disease and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
• Visit your healthcare provider for regular checkups and screenings: Between the ages of 45 and 50, men should be screened for diabetes, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels—and follow your doctor’s recommendations on managing them. Get your annual flu shot and consider getting pneumonia and shingles vaccinations.

In Your 60s

As men enter their 60s and beyond, their focus should shift to maintaining quality of life along with managing a number of health concerns older adults may face:

• Strength train: As men age, they inevitably lose bone mass and flexibility. But regular strength training (with the go-ahead from your doctor) can increase muscle mass and strength as well as enhance balance and mobility, helping you avoid falls and other accidents. Further maintain your bone health by taking supplements like calcium and vitamin D and, if you’re 70 or older, getting a bone density test.
• Use it or lose it: Just as it’s important to work your body as you age, it’s vital to make the effort to stay mentally alert. Keep your brain busy with challenging activities like learning a foreign language, taking up a new hobby, and doing crossword puzzles.
• Continue with regular health assessments: Stay in touch with your provider to keep up with regular cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes testing, and have colon cancer screenings at regular intervals. Get a pneumonia vaccine (if you haven’t received one previously) as well as your annual flu shot.

At Every Age: The Importance of Social Support for Good Health

Social support is associated with staying healthier and living longer. A strong social network also helps fend off loneliness. When you’re lonely, you feel disconnected from others, whether you’re by yourself or in a crowd. If loneliness becomes an ongoing issue, it can take a toll on your body.

Lonely people have an increased risk of developing long-term health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. They may also have a weakened immune system, which makes them susceptible to infections. Research shows that loneliness even increases the risk of dying prematurely.

Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to depression. Some men feel sad and hopeless when depressed. Others feel angry or aggressive. Depression may also cause symptoms such as tiredness and loss of interest in daily life. When you’re depressed, it’s harder to muster the energy and motivation to take care of your health.

In contrast, social support helps boost your overall well-being, but making new friends as you grow older can be challenging. Here are some tips that might help:

• Make a list of people you already know who are positive and supportive. Interact with at least one person on your list every day, whether in person, by phone, or online.
• Take a hobby-related class. It’s an opportunity to meet people with shared interests.
• Volunteer for a good cause. Helping others is a proven way to combat loneliness.
• Join a recreational sports league. You’ll meet teammates while you get exercise.

To learn more about Fort HealthCare’s Behavioral Health Services, talk with your primary care provider or go to Behavioral Health Services – Fort HealthCare. It’s not just your happiness at stake—it’s your health, too.

Get Started Today

It’s never too late to prioritize your health and make positive changes for healthier living. Fort HealthCare is here to help support you on each step of your healthcare journey—get started today!