Every June, men are urged to become more aware of their health as part of Men’s Health Month. But many guys should probably make a greater effort to pay attention to their health year-round.

According to a recent study in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, men are more likely than women to smoke heavily and drink heavily and regularly. They’re also more overweight, and they make fewer visits to the doctor’s office or emergency department and fewer visits for preventive care and dental care.

If you’re more likely to be able to name the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (it’s John Roberts, by the way) than your own doctor, maybe it’s time to make this Men’s Health Month your jumping-off point into better health.

Following these recommendations from the US Department of Health & Human Services will help give your health an overall tune-up:

• Get a flu shot every year.
• Have your blood pressure checked at least every two years starting at age 18. 
• Have your cholesterol measured starting at age 35, or age 20 if you use tobacco, you’re overweight, you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you’ve had heart disease or blocked arteries, or people in your family have had a heart attack at a young age.
• If you’re 45 or older, ask your doctor if taking aspirin would be a good idea for preventing heart disease.
• Have regular screenings for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Many tests are available; talk to your doctor about which is best for you.
• Get a pneumonia shot at age 65.

Also consider screenings such as those offered by Life Line Screening.  These screenings check the health of your arteries, which is not something typically done during an annual physical.

Consider this story from Samuel C. Raines, COL, USA,(Ret).

“Two years ago, my screening suggested for the first time that my right carotid artery required further checking.  I had absolutely no symptoms and felt great.  My personal physician sent me for a Doppler exam and the nurse would not let me leave until I had met with the surgeon.  I had surgery and there was an 80% blockage.  We found it in time to fix it only through Life Line Screening. 

I am a retired U.S. Army Colonel serving over 30 years. I then worked for 13 years as an executive in a consulting firm, where I had access to great health coverage. I am physically active and exercise regularly, yet, I still had this silent problem. No one ever checked the health of my arteries except for Life Line Screening. This is a much needed service that many may think they don’t need – but you do.” 

At any age, if you’re keeping habits that are hindering your chances of living a long life, now is a good time to also make healthy changes that you can do on your own.
If you’re overweight, start cutting down on the calories you eat and increasing the number of calories you burn off. A good start is to eat more fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and buy a pedometer and make a point to take more steps each day.

If you’re using tobacco, stop. People quit smoking every day, and you can, too. If you’re drinking alcohol excessively, cut back or even stop.

And finally, be sure to work at maintaining your health every month – not just June.  

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