The month of June is Men’s Health Month.
The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to bring awareness of health problems amongst men. This awareness month is also meant to encourage early detection and treatment of diseases in men.
We have four suggestions in men’s health.
1. BE PROACTIVE
An important time to make your health a priority is as you age. You should see a doctor or medical professional for regular checkups and learn about your family health history. Certain conditions and diseases do not have symptoms. Regular checkups can help identify issues early or before they can become a problem.
There are a variety of different screenings men can have done to detect many illnesses in the early stages. Of course the earlier an illness is detected, the more optimistic it is to be treated. Some screenings for men are: prostate cancer screening, colon cancer screening, lung cancer screening, heart disease, and blood pressure screenings.
2. SHARPEN THAT BRAIN
Many studies today on dementia and Alzheimer’s suggest that certain lifestyle habits may help support cognitive health and possibly prevent or slow down the development of these diseases of the brain. Eleven percent of men over the age of 71 and older will develop some form of dementia. Incorporating healthful eating habits and brain-engaging activities into your daily routine may help keep the mind sharp. Exercises for the brain such as doing puzzles, reading, and playing board games are a great place to start.
3. PREVENT ACCIDENTS
While many senior men prefer to live independently, most homes are poorly designed to meet their needs. Approximately 7,000 adults 65 and older die in such accidents annually. Falls are the number one safety risk for older adults. Older adults need to take extra safety precautions due to physical changes that occur during the aging process, such as declining vision, hearing, sense of touch and smell, and bone density loss. These factors increase the risk of injury inside the home.
The likelihood of accidents in the home can be decreased by both common sense measures and mindful proactive steps that can be taken before an accident takes place. Install secure railings in bathrooms. Get rid of clutter and make sure floors are not slippery with rugs. Add night lights so hallways are well-lit in the dark.
4. BE AWARE OF PROSTATE PROBLEMS
Many senior men will develop an enlarged prostate, resulting in difficulty in urinating and insomnia. Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is not preventable. However, your doctor may have options for controlling uncomfortable symptoms from a result of it.
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Some men show no symptoms of the disease. For men with no prostate cancer symptoms, it is smart to understand the nature and risk of it. However, for those with possible symptoms with the disease, be on the lookout for the following:
Symptoms of prostate cancer may include:
* burning or pain with urination
* difficulty starting urination
* continuous pain in hip, pelvis, or back
* weak or interrupted urination
* difficulty emptying the bladder fully
* urinating frequently
Note: The preceding content is for informational purposes and should not be mistaken for medical advice. Please consult a physician, medical professional or specialist for all health matters.