The Guide to Men’s Health Week
By: Mikayla Crawford, Intern
Men’s Health Week is June 15th-21st and is meant to bring awareness of preventable health problems and promote early detection and treatment of disease for males of all ages. The Men’s Health Network began hosting this event in 1992 in hopes to enrich men’s health and wellness. In 1995, the legislature officially created the National Men’s Health week. Wearing blue is the official color to raise awareness and money for education on health issues that affect men.
Ten tips for living stronger and longer:
Sharpen mind acuteness: Your brain isn't an organ, however its complex structure is similar to muscle. This is why you need to work your mind, to keep it sharp and working properly.
Visit your doctor regularly: This will aid in finding potential health issues before they arise. Early detection is key when it comes to prevention.
Protect your skin: Sunscreen reduces the risk of cancer, prevents sunburn, and slows age lines. Men are half as likely to use sunscreen compared to women which increases their chance of skin cancer.
Eat natural foods: The different food groups provide necessary nutrients our body needs. Fruits provide protection along with vegetables. Eating these two food groups will help decrease the risk of chronic disease.
Get your vitamins: Vitamins are responsible for bone growth, healing wounds, immune system enhancement, and hundreds of other responsibilities.
Exercise regularly: Testosterone levels improve with age through exercise. Anxiety, depression, and cholesterol levels decrease. Exercise also creates healthier blood vessels which aids in blood flow.
Get screened: When visiting your doctor regularly, make sure you are getting cancer screens. This includes but is not limited to lung, prostate, skin, and colorectal cancer. High blood pressure is another health issue that should be monitored.
Eliminate unhealthy habits: The cessation of smoking is very beneficial to an individual's health. Overeating is another unhealthy habit that can lead to weight gain.
Well rested: Getting an adequate amount of sleep can increase athletic performance and improve concentration and productivity.
Lower stress: Relieving stress helps with sleeping well, controlling weight, boosts the immune system, and creates an overall better mood.
Men on average have a shorter lifespan than women due to attitude, fear of diagnosis, the uncomfortableness of exams, and mistrust between health professionals. Use June and wear blue to raise awareness and money for education for men’s health. Together we can improve life quality in hopes to improve life quantity.
