GIRMC encourages men to prioritize health and well-being
June is nationally recognized as National Men’s Health Month. Grand Island Regional Medical Center encourages men to prioritize their awareness of health issues, healthy lifestyles, and establishment of a healthcare plan with a primary care provider.
Here are some basic tips for men to improve health and wellness:
1. Choose a primary care provider and follow through with recommendations.
In the same way that a vehicle, HVAC system or other complex systems require maintenance, so does the human body. Many men’s health conditions are preventable, but without the guidance of a healthcare provider and attention to wellness screenings, many conditions can go undetected.
According to a study conducted in 2022 by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)1, 77.7 percent of adults 18 and older in the United States reported attending a wellness visit with their primary care provider in the previous 12 months. This study also found that women were more attentive to wellness screenings than men. Women demonstrated a higher likelihood to attend a wellness visit-- 82.3 percent, compared to 72.9% of men.
The NCHS study also discovered that 84.1% of men over the age of 18 have an established place to receive healthcare--not including a hospital emergency room. This percentage lags behind women, with 90.9% having an established place to receive healthcare.
With these findings, it is imperative that men establish a relationship with a healthcare provider and make an appointment for a wellness visit. Further, KEEP those appointments and follow the instructions made by the provider for wellness screenings and lifestyle changes.
2. Get regular wellness screenings.
Routine screening tests help in identifying diseases at their earliest, most treatable stage. These tests can identify issues before you are experiencing symptoms, which can result in a more positive outcome.
Some of the common screening tests for men include:
- Cholesterol
- Blood Pressure
- Colorectal Cancer
- Diabetes Risk Assessment
- Other tests based upon your lifestyle choices (such as smoking).
Men are encouraged to seek the advice of their established healthcare provider and follow through with the recommended screenings.
3. Eat a healthy diet and exercise.
Diet and exercise are factors that can be managed to positively impact well-being. This is another topic that should be discussed with an established healthcare provider.
When approaching a plan for diet and exercise, remember that simple steps add up!
Start by taking the stairs, taking on an outdoor activity such as gardening or taking a pet for a walk. Small changes can lead to positive behavior patterns.
During meals, moderate your portions and choose a healthy mix of foods that include vegetables and fruits, whole grains and proteins. Limit certain nutrients and ingredients as advised by your healthcare provider, including salt, sugar and saturated fat.2
4. Limit consumption of alcohol and stop smoking.
Men who consume more than two alcoholic drinks per day are at higher risk for certain diseases, including cancer.
Likewise, cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke harms nearly every organ in the body, and cause many diseases including cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases and Type 2 Diabetes3.
Men who are planning to minimize alcohol consumption or cease smoking should consult with their established healthcare provider, who can serve as a key resource in those efforts.
5. Prioritize your stress and mental health.
Mental health is an issue often overlooked by men, who are less likely than women to get help for conditions such as depression, substance abuse, and stressful life events. In addition, the suicide rates among males was four times higher than females, in 20214.
Signs of depression include:
- Anger, aggressive behavior, or irritability
- Feeling anxious
- Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
- Isolating from family and friends
- Physical pains, headaches, or digestive problems
- Fatigue, sleeping too much, or having trouble sleeping
- Overeating or not having much of an appetite
- Thoughts of suicide
- Difficulty focusing
- Feeling hopeless or empty
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Relying on alcohol or drugs
Anyone can feel low, anxious or unable to cope from time to time. These are all normal responses to life's challenges. However, if these feelings happen often and for weeks at a time, consider seeking professional support. Asking for help is a sign of strength and can be the first step to solving a problem.
SOURCES:
1. National Center for Health Statistics: NHIS-Adult Summary Health Statistics (cdc.gov)
2. US Department of Health & Human Services:
https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/diabetes/eat-healthy
3. Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/index.html
4. National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide
