Your family means everything to you. Your dad, your husband, or your boyfriend are potentially some of the most important people in your life.
Their health is important to you.
But the unfortunate and shocking truth is that, on average, men die 5 years earlier than women. More often than not, it is due to various diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
But, even with busy schedules, a few preventable measures can keep the men in your life healthy.
These are 5 things that the men in your life need to be doing to take care of their health:
1. Stay active for 30 minutes at least three times a week
By staying active for at least 30 minutes three times a week, men are able to keep their blood circulating properly. Plus, it also helps them with keeping their bodies in shape. This is good because men are able to keep up their energy levels and stay healthier.
2. Eat healthy
Starting a healthy lifestyle today can build the foundation of your health tomorrow. Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease are usually avoidable health issues with the proper diet. Make sure that the men in your life are following their recommended meal plans.
3. Get annual prostate exams
Make sure to remind the men in your life to go to their doctor to get their prostate checked. Prostate cancer is one of the most significant problems when it comes to men’s health. In the most extreme cases, it can lead to death. Even with non-invasive new treatments such as HIFU, nothing beats early detection.
4. Avoid illegal substances and drink alcohol only in moderation
Illegal substances not only alter a person’s thoughts, feelings and behavior; but substance abuse can also completely alter the natural chemistry in anyone’s body. This can lead to complications in a man’s health as they age.
Drinking alcohol in large quantities has the same effect, but it can also cause damage to the liver and kidneys. The best way to prevent these complications is to avoid illegal substances altogether and to moderate alcohol consumption.
5. See a doctor
There can always be something unexpected that comes up to affect a person’s health. This can be anything from a gallstone to a heart beating out of rhythm. By having the men in your life check in with their primary care physician each year, the physician will be able to do a full assessment of their health to assess how physically fit and mentally fit they are.
Schedule an appointment with a primary care physician to maintain a steady path to overall wellness.
To see the wide range of services offered at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, click here.
By Leonard Kim
