June 22, 2022
June is Men’s Health Month
June is National Men’s Health Month, which encourages men to stay healthy by eating right, exercising and getting regular medical checkups to prevent disease and injury. I know we don’t always do the best job tending to our health – many men only go to the doctor when they think they have a serious medical condition. But, men, preventive care is key to detecting and treating the two leading causes of death for men in the United States: heart disease and cancer.
Preventive care, which includes annual physicals and screening tests for cancer, blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, mental health conditions and more, help you stay on top of your health. Seeing your doctor every year keeps you current with immunizations and screening tests you need based on your age, lifestyle and medical history. Annual checkups allow your doctor to detect changes in your health and determine the appropriate treatment and lifestyle recommendations.
Between annual checkups, pay attention to your habits and embrace eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, as well as moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week. Drinking alcohol in moderation and quitting smoking are also important lifestyle choices that impact many aspects of your health.
Lee Health is here for you; to help you take control of your health – from primary care and specialty care doctors and advanced providers to registered dietitians and exercise specialists, programs focused on different health conditions and a variety of health and wellness events. Visiting www.LeeHealth.org is a good place to start – look for the “Find a Doctor” and the “Health and Wellness” links at the top of the page to find the support and resources you need to prioritize your health.