National Men’s Health Month is just around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at the topic of men’s health in the country — and all the problems with it.
Sadly, too many men don’t take good care of themselves, and their health suffers because of this. This could explain why life expectancy for men is between 75 and 78 years old, while life expectancy for women ranges between 80 and 83 years old.
As a man, what can you do to take better care of your health this month and beyond?
Annual Medical Check Ups And Tests
Men are more likely to skip their annual checkups at the doctor. These checkups are essential. They give your doctor a general overview of your physical wellbeing and allow them to catch medical conditions early on.
If you’re dealing with an urgent medical problem, whether it’s a sprained ankle or a mysterious stomach bug, go to your doctor, a walk-in clinic or the hospital. Don’t skip it to save yourself time and money — this could put your health (and potentially your life) at risk.
Dental Checks and X-Rays
Don’t skip your dental treatment, either! Dental treatments are crucial for maintaining good oral health throughout your life. Make a habit of going to your dentist for biannual cleanings. You should also make urgent appointments whenever you’re dealing with unexpected dental problems like toothaches, lost crowns or chipped teeth.
If you avoid the dentist because of the expense, you can turn to your credit card or look into legit online loans as a solution. As long as you meet the qualifications for an online loan, you can apply. If you get approved, you can use the borrowed funds to cover the urgent expense quickly. Then you can move forward with the repayment plan.
Sun Protection With SPF Clothes And Sprays/Lotions
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, men are more likely to develop melanoma than women, and more likely to die of it. Men are also less likely to use sun protection. That’s not a coincidence.
Put on sunscreen with a high SPF, wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection and wear brimmed hats outside.
Quit Smoking And Tabaco Consumption
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that men are more likely to smoke cigarettes than women — about 14% of men smoke, while 11% of women do. Since cigarettes are linked to serious medical issues and approximately 480,000 deaths per year, it’s in your best interest to quit the habit.
Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption
Men are more likely to binge drink than women. They’re also more likely to suffer from alcohol-related hospitalizations and deaths. Excessive drinking is also linked to medical issues like liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure and various cancers.
For the sake of your health, you should try to limit the amount of alcohol that you drink. If you think you have an alcohol use disorder, you should seek professional help to quit and support you through sobriety.
Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health!
The stigma of mental illness often pushes men to ignore their mental health problems. This has terrible consequences. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men die by suicide almost four times more than women.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, these are some things you can do to take care of yourself:
- Talk to your doctor about your issues.
- Go to talk therapy.
- Join online support groups and message boards.
- Reach out to friends and let them know how you’re feeling.
It’s time to take your health seriously. Start following these tips now. While your health is obvious important, many ailments can be easily treated at or are less dangerous when detected early. This not only will reduce suffering and mortality but also save you a bunch of money!
