Men: Take charge of your health

Studies show men are half as likely to see a doctor as women and avoiding a checkup can have serious, even deadly, health consequences. So why are guys so reluctant to have a heart-to-heart with a physician? According to the results of one survey, a mix of busyness, fear, shame, and discomfort kept them out of the doctor's office.

But many men need to pay more attention to their health. Compared to women, men are more likely to:

  • Smoke

  • Drink too much alcohol

  • Make unhealthy or risky choices

  • Put off regular checkups and medical care

The good news is that you can start taking steps to improve your health today!

How can I take charge of my health?

See a doctor for regular checkups even if you feel healthy. This is important because some diseases and health conditions don’t have symptoms at first. Plus, seeing a doctor will give you a chance to learn more about your health.

Here are some more things you can do to take care of your health:

  • Eat healthy and get active

  • If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation

  • Quit smoking

  • Know your family’s health history

  • Get screening tests to check for health problems before you have symptoms

  • Make sure you’re up to date on your vaccines (shots)

Eat healthy and get active.

Remember, it’s never too late to start healthier habits. A healthy eating routine and regular physical activity can help control your:

  • Blood pressure

  • Blood sugar

  • Cholesterol

  • Weight

By keeping these numbers in a healthy range, you can lower your risk of serious health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Make small changes.

Make small changes every day. Small changes can add up to big results — like lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease. Here are some examples of small changes you can make:

  • Take a walk instead of watching TV

  • Try a green salad instead of fries

  • Drink water instead of soda or other sugary drinks

Talk about it.

You don’t have to be embarrassed to talk about your health! Start by talking to family members to find out which diseases run in your family and use a family history tool to keep track of health problems that run in your family. Then share this information with your doctor.

Get preventive care to stay healthy.

Many people think of the doctor as someone to see when they’re sick. But doctors also provide services — like screening tests and vaccines — that help keep you from getting sick in the first place.

Get screening tests to find problems early.

Screenings are medical tests that doctors use to check for diseases and health conditions before there are any signs or symptoms. Screenings help find problems early on, when they may be easier to treat.

Depending on your age and medical history, you may need to be screened (tested) for things like:

  • Certain types of cancer

  • High blood pressure or high cholesterol

  • Diabetes

  • STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)

  • Mental health conditions, like depression

Stay up to date on your vaccines.

Everyone needs vaccines to stay healthy. Ask your doctor or nurse which vaccines you need to stay healthy — then make sure you stay up to date. For example, everyone aged 6 months and older needs a seasonal flu vaccine every year.

Looking for a provider? We have you covered.

The right doctor or health care provider can be like a teacher, a cheerleader, and an advocate, all in one. Take the first step to better health. Visit our website to find a physician or call (661) 324-7070.

 

Content Source: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion