Men’s Health Month falls in June, as it has since 1992, to help raise awareness of preventable health problems in men.
For men who are seniors, it’s critical to take control of your health as you age. The early detection and treatment of health issues can make all the difference in quality of life for men.
Take this month of June to participate in Men’s Health Month by starting new habits. Make that doctor appointment you’ve been putting off. Get that health screening.
Here are some easy ways you can be a part of Men’s Health Month and enjoy a better quality of life and peace of mind about your health.
Get in for Your Health Screenings
For men who are age 65 and older, it’s vital to get health screenings every year. Have regular visits to your physician and get screenings for:
- Colorectal cancer
- Blood pressure
- Depression
- Diabetes mellitus, type 2
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Other screening tests you may want to get can include lipid disorders and sexually transmitted diseases.
Take Your Diet Seriously
Good health is heavily influenced by what you eat — and how much. Older men should get plenty of fiber and calcium. Vitamin D and potassium are also important for your diet.
Here’s the caloric intake you should have if you’re a man age 65 and older:
- 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
Make an effort every day to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut back or quit altogether eating processed foods, sweets, and sugary drinks such as soda, sweet tea, and juice.
Get a Move On!
Exercise is another important part of a healthy lifestyle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you take part in 30 minutes of physical activity at least five times a week.
If you’ve been inactive, have a goal of working up to that amount of exercise. Start out easy and build up the time and even intensity of your exercise, whether it’s walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or other aerobic exercises.
Exercise Safely
In the summer months especially, make sure you’re hydrated before you exercise. In the heat of summer, exercise when it’s cool in the morning or later in the evening after the sun past its peak.
If you are outside exercising during the peak sunshine hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, be sure to use sunscreen. Use SPF 30 or higher and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Pick shady routes if you can to stay out of the direct sun.
Actively Monitor Your Health
For men age 50 and over, the CDC recommends they should have a complete physical at least every two years. Have your cholesterol tested every three years. Every year test your blood pressure.
Have a cancer screening every three years. You can also do a self-exam on your testicles to check for Every three years get a cancer screening. Every month do a abnormalities or growths.
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 Auburn Hill Senior Living 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 Auburn Hill Senior Living, 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 tour or download a brochure today!