June Is Men's Health Month

The start of Men's Health Month kicks off at the beginning of June, with a designated Men's Health Week from June 10th through the 16th. According to the Men's Health Network, males have an average life expectancy that is five years less than women, and men are more likely to lose their lives to nine out of the ten most common causes of death.

Thanks to the support of many medical care providers, guys in the population can find men's health awareness activities to participate in across the country, but no matter what, it is good to take this time to get proactive about your health. Take a look at some of the things men should do this month to keep their overall health in check.

Get a Thorough Physical

Seeing a doctor on a regular basis can drastically reduce some of those risks that cause men to have a shorter life span. Men in the U.S. see doctors less frequently than women. If it has been a while since you've had a checkup, take the opportunity to do so during Men's Health Month. These physicals are important because:

• Doctors can establish things like cholesterol and blood pressure levels so the levels can be monitored over time
• You will find out important information about male health concerns you could be at risk of facing
• Care providers can screen for male-health illnesses

Getting a physical is your line of defense against many treatable health conditions, so if you've been putting a physical off, reach out to your primary care provider for an appointment.

Get Screened for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the biggest cancer threats for men; about one in nine men will be diagnosed. If you've not been screened yet and you are over the age of 50 or over 40 with a higher risk of prostate cancer, go ahead and get screened for prostate cancer. The screening process does not take that much time and you will get results rather quickly if there are any concerns. Cancer is always scary, but prostate cancer is one of the most easily treatable conditions as long as it is diagnosed early
Get More Active
Even slight changes in physical activity can work wonders for your health as a man. Fitting in a brisk walk during your lunch, doing some cardio in the afternoons, and simply making a commitment to moving more can help reduce your chances of colon cancer, lower your blood pressure, and keep your heart healthy.

Get Serious About Managing Stress Levels

Stress is hard on your heart and no good for your emotional well-being. Stress can also lead to things like self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, making rash decisions, or eating unhealthily to try to feel better. Men who are stressed are also more prone to experiencing major depression than women, more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease or experience a heart attack, and more likely to develop high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, according to Everyday Health. If you're dealing with a lot of stress, take steps to find time to relax, get rid of major stressors in your life, and talk to your loved ones who may be able to offer support.

June is a month dedicated to the awareness of those health concerns men face, and spreading awareness is an easy way to get men talking and seeking the preventive care they need. As a man, maybe it's time to get serious about your health and make some changes. Show your support of Men's Health Month by getting proactive about your own health.