Celebrating Men’s Health Month at Abraham Family Medicine
For adult men, there is no such thing as a bad time to think about improving your health. On average in the US, men die five years younger than women. Men also die at higher rates than women of 9 of the 10 highest causes of death in the US. With this in mind, it’s important for men to be proactive when it comes to maintaining health and wellness as the years go on. In honor of Men’s Health Month this June, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to share a few simple tips to help men take care of themselves:
Try to Exercise Regularly
Although it can be a challenge for some guys to find the motivation to work out, especially after a long day in the office, the benefits of physical exercise speak for themselves. We recommend 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, 5 days a week. This can mean going to the gym, joining a recreational sports league, signing up for group personal training sessions, or simply taking a morning or nightly walk around the neighborhood.
Make Time for a Physical Appointment
Annual physical exams are essential for men. Even for guys who feel like they are in good overall health, a physical examination can help confirm a clean bill of health or potentially detect an unnoticed medical concern before it becomes more serious. In our office, routine physical exams typically include checking vital signs (including heart rate & blood pressure), the performance of the heart, lungs, and thyroid, hearing and vision tests, neurological testing, blood testing for cholesterol, and more. For some men, we may recommend additional testing including prostate and testicular exams.
Adjust Your Diet
Eating right and cutting back on unhealthy foods and drinks is also highly recommended for men of all ages. We recommend a diet rich in lean proteins, nuts, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to avoid too much salt, sugar (including sodas and juices), and unhealthy fats.
Get the Necessary Amount of Sleep
Sleep is a critical component of maintaining good mental and physical health for men. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night is not something that should be taken lightly. Although some guys may try to compensate for a lack of sleep with extra coffee or exercise, there is no substitute for a good night’s rest.
We encourage anyone reading this to help spread awareness during Men’s Health Month. Now is the time to encourage the men in your life, whether they be a friend, husband, father, or neighbor to take the steps necessary to do what’s best for their long-term health and wellness. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.
