On June 18, families
everywhere will celebrate fathers and all that they do to
care for their loved ones. The week leading up to Father’s
Day, however, is just as important. June 12-18 is National
Men’s Health Week and is an opportunity not just for dads,
but all men, to celebrate their own lives by taking part in
the prevention and early detection of diseases. Recent
studies have shown that women live an average of six years
longer than men because of their willingness to visit the
doctor and engage in routine screenings. Living a long and
healthy life is possible for any man at any age by making
three simple lifestyle changes.
Exercise
It is a well known fact that exercise is critical when
it comes to staying healthy. For most men, however, the idea
of working out at the gym in front of other people is enough
to keep them at home in front of the TV.
“Exercise should not and does not have to be a scary thing,”
says Dr. Richard DeBehnke, an internist with The Austin
Diagnostic Clinic. “There are many ways besides spending
hours lifting weights in a gym to stay fit.”
DeBehnke suggests participating in team sports or leagues
with a friend or colleague. “Team sports give structure to
working out and make sticking to a schedule a lot easier,”
explains Dr. DeBehnke, “and the added benefit of being
surrounded by familiar faces creates a comfortable and fun
experience.” Another suggestion is to find a workout buddy.
“If team sports don’t interest you, enlist a friend to go
with you to the gym or running outdoors,” he adds. “This
will provide a supportive and motivational environment for
working out.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality recommend starting small
when it comes to exercise and working up to 20-30 minutes a
day most days of the week.
Diet
The weight loss industry in America is worth billions of
dollars, so why are over 64 percent of Americans considered
obese? The answer is in what we eat. Even though many men
might spend some time working out, it doesn’t equal the
amount of calories that they are consuming. In a country
where super size is the norm, it’s difficult for men to put
down the burger and fries and choose healthier food items
such as fruits and vegetables.
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends
eating nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. “Most
men don’t even come close to consuming this amount,” says
Dr. DeBehnke. “They simply don’t recognize the health
benefits of fruits and vegetables, such as their role in
reducing the risk of many cancers, heart disease, high blood
pressure and diabetes.” He suggests drinking a glass of
juice in the morning, adding a salad to a meal and
substituting a piece of fruit for a mid-day snack as easy
ways to incorporate healthy food.
Regular Screenings
The main purpose of National Men’s Health Week is to
heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and
encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men
of all ages. “While diet and exercise are important, they
will only take you so far,” cautions Dr. DeBehnke. “Age
appropriate screenings are crucial to warding off curable
diseases.” He suggests the following routine screenings:
• Physicals – routine
visits should occur more frequently starting at age 50
• Blood Pressure – every one to two years starting at
age 18
• Cholesterol – every five years starting at age 18
• Colorectal Cancer Tests - begin regular screening for
colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can
help you decide which test is right for you. How often
you need to be tested will depend on which test you
have.
• Diabetes – every three years starting at age 18
• Prostate Cancer – consider yearly at age 50, but talk
with your doctor about the frequency of exams due to
possible risk factors
The leading causes of death in men are heart disease and
cancer, but there are steps that any man can take to reduce
his risk of becoming a statistic. “Men’s health is not just
a male issue,” explains Dr. DeBehnke. “It is up to mothers,
wives, sisters and daughters to help educate the men in
their life on how to live a healthier life and encourage
them to make crucial lifestyle changes.”
Additional Ways to Stay Healthy:
• Avoid smoking and
other tobacco related products
• Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
• Manage stress
• Know your family medical history and the risks
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Limit exposure to the sun and use sunscreen
Leading Causes of Death
in U.S. Males:
1. Heart Disease
2. Cancer
3. Unintentional Injuries
4. Stroke
5. Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases
6. Diabetes
7. Influenza and Pneumonia
8. Suicide
9. Kidney Disease
10. Chronic Liver Disease
