Men’s Health Month: 5 Preventive Questions Men Should Ask Before Symptoms Start
Men like to wait until something is seriously wrong before visiting a doctor’s office. This isn’t an urban myth. The consultation rate is 32% lower in men than in women for symptoms. There is a misconception that men have to be these strong, stone-like humans who cannot display signs of weakness, high blood pressure, fatigue, stress, and other health problems.
Men everywhere need to break free of this self-imposed mold. Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a strength. Every June is Men’s Health Month and a fantastic excuse for the dad, son, uncle, friend, or coworker in your life to practice some men’s preventive health.
Here are some early questions every man should ask themselves or their physician before symptoms signal something more extreme.
#1 How Is My Heart Health Really Doing?
Heart disease is the leading killer of men in the United States. About 1 in 4 males will have some form of heart disease in their lifetime. Unfortunately, most men underestimate just how important proper cardiovascular health can be to a long, happy life.
Heart-related issues are known as the “silent killer” for a reason. You don’t see the symptoms until high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and arterial plaque become severe. A good start to your men’s health checklist is to schedule regular screenings that include a complete family history. Change their diet and add a regular exercise routine, even if it’s walking for 20 minutes a day.
#2 Am I Ignoring Stress and Sleep Problems?
There is an undeniable biodirectional relationship between the amount of stress a man feels and how much sleep they get during the night. When the weight of finances, family obligations, career needs, and social gatherings becomes too heavy, it will affect how well the man in your life sleeps and breathes.
Men too often adopt a “pushing through” mindset in difficult situations. That mindset is a problem. Sleep deprivation only makes heart disease, weight gain, anxiety, depression, testosterone levels, and cognitive decline worse.
If you’re making a men’s health checklist, be sure to add getting a good night’s sleep and relaxing activities like swimming, walking, meditation, and yoga.
#3 How Much Are Alcohol and Daily Habits Affecting My Health?
Men need to realize that what they put into their bodies affects their overall health. Alcohol might seem safe when taken in moderation at a social gathering, but it can quietly impact a man’s blood pressure, liver health, sleep, weight, and mental health.
Too much alcohol can lower testosterone, lead to infertility, and increase the risk of ED or impotence. These are attributes most men associate with “being a man.” When those don’t work, they often feel “less than” in society’s eyes.
Effective men’s preventive health needs to focus on consistency. It’s those small daily decisions that make the most difference in long-term health. Start tracking how often the man in your life is drinking, if they exercise, how they eat (processed vs whole foods), and if excess is leading to severe medical conditions.
#4 Am I Staying Current on Routine Screenings?
A men’s health checklist must include routine screenings. Every single man needs to get screened for specific conditions based on their age and lifestyle. While those may differ according to where someone is in their life, a good starting point would be:
· Blood pressure checks
· Cholesterol testing
· Blood glucose or diabetes screening
· Colon cancer screening
· Skin examinations
If nothing else, schedule that man for a physical. Even something as simple as an annual physical can have dramatic positive impacts on a man’s overall health and well-being.
#5 Is My Work Environment Quietly Hurting My Health?
The final men’s preventive health question to consider is how the work environment impacts quality of life. If your husband spends hours sitting at a desk or your cousin has repetitive strain from hanging drywall all day, it will impact their physical and mental health over time.
A few things need to happen in these cases. First, they need regular screenings with a healthcare professional who understands their professional role. Second, they need exercise and stretching to help alleviate joint stress, dehydration, and chronic fatigue. That should be walking and swimming combined with plenty of hydration and a well-balanced diet.
Finally, they need ergonomic support at home after the workday. Look for movement patterns that improve circulation and posture, as well as supportive equipment or furniture, to help the body reset before the next workday.
Many professional settings are waking up to the fact that men’s preventable health helps lower insurance claims. They may be very willing to introduce daily 5-minute “body breaks” for circulation or purchase ergonomic chairs and standing desks to help.
Why Preventive Health Conversations Matter
Men need to feel safe and supported when having an open and honest conversation about their health. Start with a simple checklist that includes:
· Daily exercise or movement
· A well-balanced meal with plenty of protein and whole foods
· Emphasize a sleep-ready household so everyone gets more Zs
· Routine and proper health screenings, including an annual physical
· Counseling for diet, alcohol, stress, and tobacco use
These few items can lead to a much happier life full of family vacations, birthdays, holidays, and other events. Start small. Introduce The Redliro Treadmill with Handrails & Desk. That will help the man you love get in a 20-30-minute daily walk, even when it's raining outside. Plus, there is a desk element in case this one small habit becomes a launchpad for other health-related activities down the road.
A little encouragement from someone close to them is all a man really needs to introduce small changes. Over time, those minor tweaks can be the tipping point to a much healthier lifestyle. With Men’s Health Month happening, it makes sense to support them in feeling empowered to make a positive change.
