Men’s Health Is A Family Issue
Posted on November 18, 2014
Every year, when I make my husband’s appointment for his annual physical and he manages to cancel it or drag his feet, I tell him: “Go see your doctor not for you…. but for me and for your children.”
To quote Congressman Bill Richardson (Congressional Record, H3905-H3906, May 24, 1994): “Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.”
“Most men need to pay more attention to their health. Compared to women, men are more likely to:
- Smoke and drink
- Make unhealthy or risky choices
- Put off regular checkups and medical care
There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many of the major health risks that men face – like colon cancer or heart disease – can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. It’s important to get the screening tests you need.”
The good news for men is that it is never too late to choose to live well!
It can be as simple as making healthy eating choices and physical activity part of a daily routine. A healthy diet and regular physical activity have been demonstrated to have a positive impact on:
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol
- Weight
- Stress
- Emotional Health
- Energy
- Sleep quality
And much more!
Small changes can add up to big results! Try to incorporate small changes into your life one at a time. Small changes are easier to stick with over time. Once you have conquered one, tackle another. Here are a few ideas:
- Take a walk after dinner instead of watching TV or when you feel stressed
- Try a green salad or a piece of fruit instead of fries
- Choose wheat bread instead of white bread
- Drink water instead of soda or juice
- Eat less salt
It is important to get medical care focused on helping you stay healthy. Even if you feel fine, it is important to see a doctor for regular checkups. The reason why? Some diseases don’t have symptoms at first and can go undiagnosed causing irreparable damage. Early diagnosis is the key to being able to interrupt the disease process. When you see your doctor be sure to get the screening tests that are right for you. Talk to your doctor openly and honestly about your health concerns.
Article by: Dr. Laurie Gianturco, Health New England’s Chief Medical Officer.
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Retrieved from menshealthnetwork.org
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