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Men’s Health Month

When life gets busy, it’s easy to take your health for granted. That’s why Men’s Health Month is celebrated each June as a reminder to bring well-being to the forefront for all men at every age and life stage.

The goal of this Congressional health initiative is to encourage men and boys to prioritize their health, by visiting their healthcare providers regularly for yearly wellness visits, and more often as they experience an injury or medical concern. By directing the public’s attention to preventable health problems, those at risk can take the necessary steps to make lifestyle changes and improve their general health. In addition to sustaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, and avoiding smoking habits, consider integrating the following small steps, which can make a significant impact on your overall health, and foster a more personal and integrated wellness routine.

See your physician regularly: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges everyone to seek regular checkups to screen for conditions that might not have symptoms and to address health challenges before they become a problem. Always pay attention to signs that may indicate more serious illnesses like difficulty urinating, shortness of breath, or chest pains.

Visit the dentist: Oral hygiene plays a major role in your overall health. The Mayo Clinic states that several conditions might be linked to oral health including cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, and diabetes. Brush your teeth twice per day, floss, and schedule regular dental examinations and cleanings.

Pay attention to mental health: Don’t discredit your feelings of depression or anxiety. Between financial worries, personal stress, and the rigors of everyday life, 1 in 5 American adults suffers from a mental health condition each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Talk to your doctor who can help you get proper treatment and regain quality-of-life.

See a dermatologist: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more individuals have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined, within the past three decades. Always use sun protection like a broad spectrum sunscreen and sunglasses when outdoors. Check your skin regularly for any moles, freckles, or spots that have appeared or changed. When detected early, skin cancer is very treatable.

Get screened: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, according to the American Cancer Society. However, it is also highly treatable. The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) reports that when cancer is detected in local or regional stages, nearly 100% of patients will be free of the disease after five years. While you can’t change hereditary risk factors, you can try to maintain a healthy weight, eat a nutritious diet, and exercise to reduce your risk or slow the progression of prostate cancer. Most physicians recommend a screening between the ages of 40 and 50, depending on specific risk factors. Being proactive and scheduling a screening today can lead to a brighter prognosis tomorrow.

This Men’s Health Month, take the pulse of your physical and mental health, and urge your loved ones to do the same.

At SCPT, we encourage our patients and the community to live healthier and with greater intention. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a physical therapy assessment, please contact us.