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St. Luke's Healthy U Program 1. Talk with your doctor about screening options based on your age and family history. Men tend to make half as many preventative health care visits. Screening can save your life! 2. Think before engaging in high-risk activities. Men are more likely to drink excessively and have higher rates of alcohol-related injuries. Things that go fast - like cars, gravity and bullets - don't mix with alcohol. 3. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Depression can be a major threat for men of all ages, and men have higher rates of suicide. Talking with a close friend or a counselor about how you're feeling can help tremendously 4. Check your blood pressure every six months to keep kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes at bay. High blood pressure is more common in younger men. If it's pushing 140/90, see a doctor. 5. Protect yourself from the sun! Men have the highest annual exposure to UV. Forty-eight percent of men report using a regular method of sun protection in contrast to 68 percent of women. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen (SPF of 30+), slap on a wide-brimmed hat and wear sunglasses to avoid skin cancer. 6. Don't spend time with, or let your loved ones be around, people who smoke. Men are more likely to be smokers. If you smoke, come up with a plan to quit and stick to it. 7. Get Active! Find an activity you enjoy that gets your heart rate up. Being physically active on a regular basis will help you get more done and make you feel better. 8. Take a break from work and make time to socialize, connect with friends or loved ones. 9. Relax. Find positive ways to keep stress in check, such as exercise, a hot shower, or reading. Relaxation will help you feel better, minimize anxiety, frustration and anger. 10. Reverse the trend. On average men die five to six years earlier than women. Take responsibility for your health and show those around you that you care! |
