Since 1992, June has been recognized as Men’s Health Month. The importance of this month is to raise awareness of preventable health problems.
Early detection and treatment of health issues can make all the difference in quality of life for men. Especially for senior men, commit this June to taking control of your health.
One easy way to participate in Men’s Health Month is to start new habits. This includes making doctor appointments and scheduling health screenings.
For guidelines on how to approach Men’s Health Month, follow these tips and improve your quality of life.
Schedule Your Health Screenings
Annual health screenings are important as you age, especially for men age 65 and older. In addition to regular doctor visits, schedule screening tests for:
- Colorectal cancer
- Blood pressure
- Depression
- Diabetes mellitus, type 2
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Other screening tests can include lipid disorders and sexually transmitted diseases.
Focus on Your Diet
Healthy eating habits can make a huge difference in your health. For seniors, look to eat more fiber and calcium, in addition to vitamin D and potassium. Here’s the caloric intake you should have:
- 2,000 calories a day if you’re not active
- 2,300 calories a day if you’re moderately active
- 2,800 calories a day if you’re active
Eat foods that include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit your intake of processed foods, sweets, and sugary drinks such as soda, sweet tea, and juice.
Get Moving!
A healthier lifestyle involves eating well and exercise. With this in mind, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation of engaging in physical activity for 30 minutes five times a week.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by that amount of exercise if you’re just starting out. Starting slow and working up to it is a good start. Whether you walk, jog, swim, dance, or other aerobic exercise counts toward this goal.
But still be safe when you exercise during the summer. With the hotter weather, get your exercise when it’s cool such as in the morning or in the evening.
If you do go outside to exercise when the sun is at its peak between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., apply sunscreen. Use SPF 30 or higher and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Monitor Your Health
The CDC recommends that men age 50 and older should have a complete physical at least every two years. Your cholesterol should be tested every three years and get your blood pressure tested every year.
Every three years get a cancer screening. Every month do a testicular self-exam to check for abnormalities or growths in your testicles.
From age 50, men should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. Some men may be advised by their healthcare provider to have a colonoscopy sooner than every 10 years.
A CARING-FIRST ENVIRONMENT
Senior living communities like Bellaire at Stone Port are precisely that—a community. Residents become friends and even family, and a caring team is there to help them maintain their quality of life.
At Bellaire at Stone Port, we offer both Assisted Living and Memory Care and we care with Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Residents first and Teamwork. We like to call it Caring with H.E.A.R.T.™!
If you believe a senior living community would benefit your loved one, get in touch with us. Schedule a visit or download a brochure today!