Men often don’t make their health a priority, but doing these 5 things can help keep you healthier.

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When it comes to important things in their lives, many men don’t give their health much thought. Until it’s too late. But rather than waiting for something bad to happen, why not be proactive and take care of your health on a regular basis?

It may seem like life is too busy to fit in time for doctor visits, health screenings and healthy lifestyle habits, but there’s always plenty of time to get these things done. And by doing them, you’ll likely be giving yourself more time—that you can count in years rather than minutes—as you live longer.

“Annual physicals are the most important thing to keep up with your health. All of the things listed below can be addressed during the physical and help you get a game plan to ensure healthy lifestyles and preventive measures.”

-R. Todd Cooley, MD, Internal Medicine

Here are 5 things men should prioritize when it comes to their health:

    1. See a doctor – Doctors aren’t supposed to be seen only when you have a medical problem. By keeping up with routine physicals, you’re more likely to stay healthier overall so you won’t need to make a last minute trip to a doctor or hospital when you suddenly don’t feel well. During these exams, your doctor can detect potential health issues at an early stage, when they’re most treatable. You can also get suggested vaccines and recommendations on staying healthier.
    2. Get screened – Depending on your age, family history and other risk factors, your doctor can recommend when you should be screened for health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate and colon cancer, and more. Some screenings should happen yearly and others are needed less frequently.
    3. Don’t ignore your mental health – Many people deal with stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. If you are one of them, there’s no reason to suffer alone or to be embarrassed to talk about it. Tell your doctor or a mental health professional how you feel and ask what can be done to help you feel better. Mental health conditions are real and they’re treatable, but you need to take the first step to ask for help.
    4. Practice healthy habits – You likely already know that it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. But you may not know the best way to make this happen. If you are not the person who prepares meals at home or does the food shopping, talk to the person who does about ways you can eat healthier. Make time for exercise even when your schedule seems busy.
    5. Don’t forget to relax – Chronic stress can lead to a number of health issues, especially heart disease. Getting stress under control can make you feel better mentally and physically. Find ways to unwind each day. Get enough sleep. Maintain a good work-life balance. Have some fun and laugh.

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Date Last Reviewed: September 8, 2021

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

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