Improving men’s health isn’t just about adding years to lives; it’s about enhancing the quality of those years. Whether it’s more time enjoying fulfilling relationships, pursuing passions, or simply being present for life’s precious moments, prioritizing men’s health empowers you to live a fuller, more vibrant life, enriching not only your own experiences but also the lives of those around you.
Men have unique opportunities to maintain good health throughout their lives. They naturally have more muscle mass, a faster metabolic rate, and greater bone density than women, giving them natural advantages for overall well-being. Yet, it’s important to acknowledge the higher rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and mental health struggles among men compared to women.
Preventive Care:
Taking proactive steps to monitor your health is crucial. Regular check-ups with your primary care provider allow you to discuss your habits, family, and health-related questions. During these visits, your provider can recommend important tests for early detection of potential health issues and vaccinations to help protect you. Visit our Annual Wellness Guidelines to read more about preventive care based on your age.
Healthy Habits for Physical Health:
Good physical health is the cornerstone of a life well-lived. By adopting healthy habits now, you can enjoy a higher quality of life. Consider these two well-being practices:
- Regular Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of heart-pumping activity you enjoy each week. Walking, biking, and jumping rope are just a few. Men’s physical and mental well-being also benefit from muscle-building activities.
- Better Nutrition: Plant-based foods like nuts, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains offer super nutrition and can help to provide a unique blend of fiber, vitamins, and minerals to support men’s health. It is also important to choose protein sources that are low in fat and salt to sustain a healthy heart.
Social Health and Mental Well-Being:
Revisiting your health—especially with a focus on well-being and community—is a powerful step forward. Consider prioritizing:
- Getting support: Programs like our partnership with AbleTo offer guidance and resources to support your mental well-being.
- Strengthening social connections: Builds support, reduces stress, and boosts happiness.
- Managing stress: Movement, mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can help lower chronic stress that contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Prioritizing mental health: Men face higher risks for suicide and often hesitate to seek help.
Let’s encourage and support the men in our lives to prioritize their health and well-being by promoting preventive care and healthy living for a life we-lived.
For more information on preventive care to help maintain a healthy lifestyle, visit our Annual Wellness Guidelines page.
