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Men's Health
Overview
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Cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, stroke, and diabetes are among the leading causes of death for American men. All can be prevented with a combination of a healthy lifestyle, regular medical care, and heeding recommendations from a health care provider. Many disorders, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are “silent” illnesses and do not cause tell-tale symptoms that may prompt a doctor’s visit. Routine checkups and screenings are critical for detecting hidden problems and staying healthy.
Many men are reluctant to visit their health center or physician for regular screening examinations of male-related problems
Healthy habits for men to develop:

Stop Smoking
That means in any form. Not smoking or chewing tobacco is one of most important self-care actions men can take. Smoking triples the risk of dying of heart disease.If you need to quit tobacco, ask your health care provider to help you. Check out this support group at Holland Hospital.

Get moving
Exercising regularly can reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes and help you maintain a healthy weight. It doesn’t matter if you walk, run, swim, ride a bike, or play soccer with your kids—getting even 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week improves your health.

Eat a healthy diet
The prescription here is for more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, and fish, and less red meat and high-fat and high-cholesterol foods.

Stay at a healthy weight
Balance calories from foods and beverages with calories you burn off through your activities. To attain a healthy weight, make lower-fat food choices, eat smaller portions, and increase your physical activity.

Get routine exams and screenings
Based on your age, health history, lifestyle, and risk factors, your health care provider can determine how often you should be examined and screened for high blood pressure, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, and cancers of the skin, prostate, and colon. When problems are found early, your chances for treatment and cure increase.

Don't ignore depression
Undiagnosed and untreated depression is a major risk factor for men and a primary cause of suicide. If you feel persistently down, angry, worthless, fatigued, or have any suicidal thoughts, see your health care provider or a mental health professional. 

Protect yourself
It’s easy for men to believe the rules don’t apply to them when it comes to safety. But the third-leading cause of death among men is accidents. To live a longer, disability-free life, buckle up and don’t drink and drive.
Screenings men need:
  • High cholesterol. Beginning at age 35, men should get their cholesterol checked regularly—at least every five years. Men younger than age 35 could benefit from cholesterol testing if they smoke, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or have a family history of heart disease.

  • High blood pressure. All men should get their blood pressure checked at least every two years—or more often, if recommended by a health care provider.

  • Diabetes. Men should schedule a blood glucose test for diabetes if they have elevated cholesterol or blood pressure. They should also have this test if they notice symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent thirst and urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. Healthy men should get screened every three years, starting at age 50.

  • Colorectal cancer. Screenings should begin at age 50, or earlier if there is a personal or family history of colorectal polyps. Tests for hidden fecal blood should be conducted annually. Your health care provider may order additional screening tests, such as a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
Many men are reluctant to visit their health center or physician for regular screening examinations of male-related problems for a variety of reasons including fear, lack of information, and cost factors. Men who are educated about the value that preventive health can play in prolonging their lifespan and their role as a productive family member will be more likely to participate in health screenings.
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