Breaking the Silence: Prioritizing Men's Mental & Physical Health
Men's Health Month is in June, and it's the perfect reminder to schedule all the key health screenings you need to know you're well. Delaying screenings and missing the opportunity to act early can have serious long-term health implications.
Keep reading to learn:
- The importance of Men’s Health Month and routine checkups
- Key health screenings every man should prioritize
- Age-based health recommendations for long-term wellness
- Nutrition and physical activity for better mental and physical health
- Reducing stigma and getting support for men’s mental health
If you haven't had your annual screenings yet, now's the perfect time to schedule them!
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The Importance of Men's Health Month and Routine Checkups
Men don't always seek care when they should. With Men's Health Month in June, it's time to destigmatize seeking preventative care. It doesn't make you weak to seek help — it makes you proactive.
It's well-known that regular checkups are key to preventing and treating long-term health problems. By detecting issues early through routine screening, chronic issues are often more successfully treated. Fortunately, Medicare and Medicaid plans cover most common health screenings.
Key Health Screenings Every Man Should Prioritize
Essential screenings should be included in annual men's health checkup services. Proactive screening for various common conditions allows your doctor to monitor your risk and catch developing conditions early, which can help with treatment.
We generally recommend that all men routinely receive the following:
- Blood pressure check to identify issues with blood pressure and assess the risk of stroke
- Cholesterol panel to determine your risk of clogged arteries or likelihood of a heart attack
- Prostate cancer screenings around age 50 or earlier for high-risk individuals
- Diabetes screening to identify early signs of insulin resistance or the development of Type 2 diabetes
- Depression screening for men under chronic stress to support holistic wellness
Medicare and Medicaid often cover many of these tests during your annual wellness visit.
Age-Based Health Recommendations for Long-Term Wellness
Your body changes with age, and that means preventative care must adapt. The regular screenings, physical activity, and dietary recommendations match risk factors to various life stages.
Keep these age-based recommendations in mind:
- 20s: Establish healthy habits. At this age, monitor your blood pressure and maintain a healthy, stable weight.
- 30s: Begin getting mental health screenings and cholesterol testing.
- 40s: Start prostate screenings based on provider recommendations. Get monitored regularly for early metabolic changes.
- 50s and beyond: Add checks for mobility and heart health. Your doctor may recommend routine colonoscopies at this age.
Nutrition and Physical Activity for Better Mental and Physical Health
What you eat and how often you move matter, both physically and mentally. A balanced diet and consistent physical activity can reduce your risk of several common conditions, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and depression. Current activity level recommendations encourage 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and at least 2 days of strength training weekly.
Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Focus on beneficial foods such as:
- Leafy greens and whole grains to support overall heart and digestive health
- Lean proteins and healthy fats to provide plenty of energy while maintaining healthy testosterone levels
- Nuts, seeds, berries, and fatty fish to reduce inflammation and improve brain function
Reducing Stigma and Getting Support for Men's Mental Health
Many men have internalized the notion that expressing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. That couldn't be further from the truth. Plus, leaving stress, anxiety, and depression untreated can lead to serious long-term consequences.
Don't feel ashamed to speak to your provider about your mental health or delay the conversation out of fear of judgment. Seek support if you notice common signs of depression, such as irritability, fatigue, sleep issues, or anger. Your doctor can point you toward helpful resources, such as community-based clinics, counseling, and group therapy.
Medicaid and Medicare may provide behavioral health services and therapy sessions, but you should confirm coverage with your policy provider. Remember, taking the first step and talking with your doctor can make a major long-term difference in your well-being.
Prioritize Your Health This Men's Health Month With Valle del Sol!
Your health matters. Take control by visiting Valle del Sol for comprehensive health and wellness services. With over 50 years of creating a healthier community under our belts, we're dedicated to inspiring people like you to live healthy, empowered, and productive lives.
