Make it
all about the fellas during June, when Men’s
Health Month takes
center stage — an especially June 12-18, when Men’s
Health Week takes
over the calendar.
The
purpose of the week and month are simple, and laudable: heighten the awareness
of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of
disease among men and boys.
Men
aren't always the best about taking care of themselves. Sure, plenty are good
about diet and exercise, but when was the last time your dad, husband, brother,
son (you get the idea) went in for an annual physical? If the answer is “I have
no clue,” then do a little nudging to get that doc visit on the calendar right
away.
A regular
doctor’s visit, even if there’s nothing wrong, is a great way for men (and
women) to make sure they’re staying on top of screenings. For men, especially
those over 50, that’s the time to make sure that testosterone and Prostate
Specific Antigen, or PSA, levels are checked through bloodwork (the best way to
get early signs of prostate cancer or other trouble), schedule a colonoscopy if
one’s needed and even keep tabs of little, but important things, like tetanus,
diphtheria and whooping cough boosters.
Still on
the fence? Use this handy checklist to see where you’re all
caught up, and what might need some attention.
Since it
began in 1994, Men’s Health Month has been out there trying to get men to take
care of their physical and mental health through screenings, health fairs and
other education/outreach activities. A big part of Men’s Health Week is Wear Blue Friday, which takes place this
year on June 16, the Friday before Father’s Day. Break out those blue scrubs!
Men (and
women) often put the health of others before their own, or as we mentioned
earlier think they’re doing great because they’re crushing it at the gym and
eat clean. But cancer and other killers strike the young and healthy, so it’s
important to get that annual physical take care of, and pay attention to little
signs that the body may be sending out. Good health is as much about prevention
as it is about diet, exercise and work/life balance. Do your part, and it’ll
all come together!
