Men’s Health Month encourages men and boys to take charge of their health by making healthy lifestyle decisions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13.2% of men aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health.
Here are some tips to help men take control of their overall health and wellness.
- Get regular checkups. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about having a physical or wellness check each year. Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and weight to catch potentially dangerous conditions early and get proper care, if needed. You can also use the MyHealthfinder tool to get personalized preventive services recommendations.
- Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods, and lean sources of protein. Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats and avoid foods with added sugar and sodium. Refer to MyPlate to find out exactly how much and what foods you need based on your height, weight, age, and physical activity level.
- Be active. Any activity is better than no activity. You can stay motivated by choosing physical activities you enjoy. Visit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Move Your Way Activity Planner to set goals and get personalized tips to help you stay motivated.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Quitting smoking improves your health and reduces your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Limiting alcohol can reduce your risk of long-term health risks. Check out the CDC’s Dietary Guidelines for Alcohol for more information.
- Manage stress. Taking steps to reduce stress can lower your risk of other conditions like heart disease, obesity, high-blood pressure, and depression.
To learn more, visit the HHS Men: Take Charge of Your Health page. Always consult with your physician before starting any new diet or exercise plan.
Last Updated: 05/29/2024