A Healthy Life for Men

Published: Saturday, March 1, 2008

Today, most of the healthy lifestyle focus has turned more towards women. But this article will discuss healthy lifestyle changes for men. Most people do not take preventative measures to ensure a healthy body. If you follow these tips, you will be on your way to a new and healthier you.

Tips for a healthier lifestyle.

Eat Healthy – What you do not include in your daily diet can affect you just as much as eating poorly. Diets that include many fruits and vegetables are known to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and other diseases. Fruits and vegetables also provide many vitamins and fiber for a health body.
Maintain a Healthy Weight – Everyone needs a different amount of calories daily to stay healthy. The correct number of calories is based on your age, activity level and whether you are trying to gain, maintain or lose weight. You also need to be aware of your body mass, which is measured on the body mass index chart (BMI). The measurements are based on your height versus your weight. This is a good indicator to check your body’s fatness and based on the number if you are more at risk for health problems.
Click here for the desirable body weight calculator.
Get Moving – Today, more than 50% of adults are inactive. This means we are not getting enough daily physical activity. You need to pick an activity that is fun and enjoyable for you to participate more frequently. Include your family in these activities to encourage a healthy lifestyle in everyone, including the family pet. Some great individual and family activities include walking, cycling, jogging or skating. Make sure to start out slow and work your way into a moderate physical activity and remember to not over do it.
Be Smoke Free – When you quit smoking you have immediate and long-term benefits to your health. Smoking causes cancer, lung disease and heart disease. If you want to be smoke free, call UT Medical Center Cancer Institute for smoking cessation classes at 865.305.8577.
Get Routine Exams and Screenings – Men need to see their healthcare provider regularly, which may be annually or other times it may be more or less often. Your physician will determine this based on your health, family history, age and lifestyle. At age 35, you should be having your cholesterol tested. If you have heart disease, smoke or have diabetes then you should begin the cholesterol screening at age 20. Keep a yearly check on your blood pressure and, if you have a family history, you may want to log your numbers for records to take back to your physician. UT Medical Center's 4 Your Heart Program can get you tested, so you know your numbers.

Colorectal cancer screenings should be done starting at age 50. If you have a family history of polyps or colon cancer you should start screening earlier than age 50. Consult your physician about when to have a colonoscopy.

If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you need to be tested for diabetes. Also, if you have a family history of diabetes, you need to keep a regular check on your blood work.

Depression is another test that can be done if you have been feeling “blue” or “down.” Speak with your physician if you feel you may be depressed, catching it early can get you back on your feet and into your normal routine more quickly.

Talk with your physician about screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which includes an HIV blood test.

A prostate cancer screening should include blood work, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal exam (DRE).

Consult with your physician about staying healthy and doing regular preventative screenings.
Get Appropriate Vaccinations – “Shots” are not just for children. Adults need to have Tetanus-Diphtheria Booster vaccine every 10 years. Check with your provider for this injection. The Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended one dose at the age of 65 or older. The Influenza vaccine is recommended to be administered yearly. The older you are, the more you need to insure you are getting this vaccine. If you have not taken the Hepatitis B series, then consult your physician to see if you are a candidate for this vaccine.
Manage Stress – Today, more people have more and more stress in their life. Job stress, financial stress and relationship stress can cause many health risk factors even in men. Take time to relax and participate in activities that help you balance your mental and physical health.
Know Your Risks – Take time to talk with family members about their physical health. You might be at risk for an illness or disease based on family history. If you are unaware of this possible risk factor, you may not receive the proper care by your physician. Study your family history … it just might save your life.
Be Safe and Protect Yourself – You should always use sunscreen when participating in any outdoor activity. This will help protect you against skin cancer and aging spots and wrinkles.

When working on machinery or with tools wear protective gloves and eye wear at all times.

Wash your hands after you sneeze or cough, this will help cut down on the spread of germs.

Make sure that you and your partner get a sexually transmitted disease (STD) test, including and HIV test. The use of a condom will help reduce the risk of catching an STD or becoming pregnant.
Be Good to Yourself – Take the time to do activities that are enjoyable to you. If you are happy starting a new transformation into a healthy lifestyle, you are much more likely to continue with the changes. Listen to your body, if you do not think your body is acting properly, go and see your physician. You should have a yearly physical appointment to have blood drawn and make sure everything is checked properly.

To make an appointment, call 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737).

Resources
www.cdc.gov/men/tips
http://www.4women.gov/mens/physical
www.omhrc.gov

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A Healthy Life for Men