Men's Health Month: Take Charge of Your Well-being

By Austin Hazlewood, DO, Family Medicine, CommonSpirit Medical Group - Family Medicine - Cleveland

June is men's health month. At CommonSpirit - Memorial Hospital, we believe that strength includes taking charge of your well-being. This month, we challenge men to address old ideas and participate in a proactive approach to their health. This includes prevention, improved health, and mental well-being.

Societal norms have encouraged men to be stoic, to push through discomfort, and to prioritize work and family over their own health needs. Men are more likely to skip regular check-ups, delay seeking medical attention and suffer from preventable diseases. This men's health month, let us change that. Taking care of yourself is important.

Your first line of defense – the power of prevention

Consider your annual physical an important maintenance appointment for your body. Many common male health issues, like heart disease, certain cancers (prostate, colorectal) and diabetes, can be found and managed more effectively when caught early.

• Don't skip your annual physical: These visits provide a baseline for your health. Your doctor can identify potential risks before they become serious problems. This includes blood pressure screenings, cholesterol checks and discussions about your family history. 

• Know your numbers: Understand what your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar mean. These metrics indicate your overall health and can inform lifestyle changes.

• Screenings save lives: Talk to your doctor about recommended screenings for your age and risk factors. This includes prostate cancer screenings (like PSA tests), colorectal cancer screenings (colonoscopies), and skin cancer checks. Early detection significantly improves success rates. 

• Healthy habits, lasting impact: Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and maintaining a healthy weight are the bedrock of health. Small changes add up!

Taking control – improving health outcomes

Prevention is important, but sometimes health challenges do arise. The good news? With early intervention and following treatment plans, men can improve their health outcomes and overall quality of life.

• Listen to your body: Persistent pain, unusual bumps, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained fatigue are your body's signals. Don't ignore them. These could be early signs of serious health issues that need prompt medical attention.

• Manage chronic conditions effectively: If you're living with diabetes, high blood pressure or another chronic condition, management is important to preventing complications. 

• Prioritize sleep: Quality sleep (aim for 7-9 hours) is important for both physical and mental restoration.

• Lifestyle choices matter: Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake are two of the most impactful steps you can take for long-term health. Learn more about smoking cessation and wellness resources.

Strength from within – nurturing mental well-being

Physical and mental health are connected. Ignoring one can impact the other. Men often face societal pressures to "be strong" and suppress emotions, leading to a higher risk of untreated depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions.

• It's okay not to be okay: Recognizing and acknowledging feelings of stress, sadness, or overwhelm is the courageous first step toward healing.

• Build your support system: Connect with friends, family or support groups. Sharing your thoughts and feelings is helpful.

• Make time for self-care: What brings you joy and helps you relax? This can include exercise, hobbies, time in nature or meditation. Make it a priority.

• Seek professional help: Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists offer tools and strategies for managing mental health challenges. Reaching out is a sign of strength. 

This men's health month, let's commit to a future where men prioritize their health, participate in their well-being and enjoy longer, healthier and happier lives. At CommonSpirit - Memorial Hospital, we are here to be your partner every step of the way, offering a comprehensive range of services dedicated to men's health, from preventative care to advanced treatment options and mental wellness support.

Take the first step today. Your health and future depend on it.

Ready to prioritize your health? Schedule your annual check-up today.