Men: Take Charge of Your Health this June

This post is crossposted from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Happy National Men’s Health Month! Maintaining your health is a year-round process, but Men’s Health Month in June, including Father’s Day, is a great time to kick-start a new year with your best possible health.

What can you do to make sure you’re on the right track? Here are some key tips:

• Eat right: Take control of what’s on your plate with a balanced diet that provides the right amount of calories and the nutrients you need.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Exercise: Keep moving and get at least 30 minutes of mild-to-moderate exercise every day.
• Sleep: Plan for seven to eight hours of high-quality sleep each night.
• Checkups: Know your key stats for cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose and body fat percentage.
• Engage: Get involved in social and volunteer activities in your community to stay connected.

Men don’t always like to talk about their health, but finding someone who can back you up is one of the best ways to make sure you stick to your commitment to being healthier. Other guys – friends, family, mentors – understand where you’re coming from, and together you can work to meet your goals. Check out the Brother2Brother initiative for tips on how to start the conversation today.

In addition to friends and family, make sure a trusted health care provider is on your team for checkups and any concerns you have. Here are some of the things you should consider when choosing a health care provider:

• Review the list of providers under your insurance plan. You’ll find general practitioners as well as those who provide more specialized care. Pick the one that you think would best meet your needs.
• If you don’t have health insurance now, check out healthcare.gov to see if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period for the Health Insurance Marketplace or coverage through Medicaid. Community health centers can also provide care if you cannot get insurance at this time.
• You may not find the right fit with a provider on the first visit. Make sure you feel comfortable with the health care team and office. If it’s not right for you, you can look for a better fit.

Once you’ve chosen a provider, it’s important to define your own role as an active partner in your care.

To be more engaged in your care, make a list of things that are bothering you and questions to ask before your appointment. Bring a friend or family member to make sure you address everything, or just to offer support. And when you sit down with your doctor, ask plenty of questions.

For more information on staying healthy and getting the care you need, check out the Coverage to Care initiative.

You can also find more information about men’s health issues by visiting Men’s Health Network and the Men’s Health Resource Center.

Have a happy and healthy Father’s Day.

Gregory Pecchia, DO, FACOFP, Advisor, Men’s Health Network and Brandon Leonard, MA, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Men’s Health Network