Manish A. Patel, DO Internal Medicine
The month of June means that summer is here. But, beyond the smell of barbeques and trips to the shore, June is also a time to focus on the importance of your health during Men’s Health Month. From cardiovascular issues to cancer, it is important for you to be proactive in taking care of your health, more than just visiting your doctor regularly, by taking daily steps in making healthy choices.
Two of the biggest factors affecting men’s health are heart disease and stroke, which can be compounded by poor diet and lack of physical exercise. Be mindful of what you are eating while you are at the family barbeque. Carbohydrate rich foods and fatty foods are staples of the barbeque diet. From hot dogs to hamburgers plus the ice cream, the calorie count can really add up. A few tips and tricks to avoid eating badly can really go a long way in improving your overall health.
Fresh produce is abundant in the summer months. Remember, just because the word salad is in the name doesn’t mean that it’s good for you. From pasta salad to potato salad, these are foods that can really add inches to your waist line. Limit your portions of these calorie-laden foods. and, as an alternative, try grilled vegetables or plain vegetable salads. Watching what you eat and making smarter decisions at the buffet table can help you reduce your health risks.
After a meal, a little physical exercise can go a long way. Not everyone can or should run a marathon, but there are little things you can do around the house to incorporate physical activity in your daily routine. Instead of taking your car to the car wash, wash it yourself. When shopping, park further away from the store to gain more walking steps. Stay active and keep moving to reap the health benefits.
In addition to making lifestyle changes, it is important for you to get routine screenings and exams. Screening for testicular cancer for men ages 20-54 is important because this is when most cases occur. During your routine physical ask about this screening, just to make sure there are no issues. Also, sunburn isn’t the only damage the sun can do. Getting screened for skin cancer can help save you from complications down the road. Older men are twice as likely to develop complications from skin cancer as compared to women the same age.
During Men’s Health Month and beyond, making small changes and paying attention to your health can make a large impact on your health as a whole.
Manish A Patel, DO is an Internal Medicine Specialist with Cooper University Health Care. Learn more about our Primary Care services by clicking here.