If you’re a man experiencing mental health symptoms, or if one of the men in your life is showing signs of mental health concerns, you need to seek professional support as soon as possible. Vertava Health is proud to offer on-demand virtual care when you need it most.
What Is Men’s Health Week?
Men’s Health Week 2020 runs from June 15 to June 21. The goal of this week is to educate people with regard to preventable health conditions. Educational services are also intended to draw attention to the early detection of common diseases in boys and adult males of all ages. During Men’s Health Week, the media, public policy makers, healthcare providers, and individuals have the opportunity to encourage males in their lives to seek medical services for prevention and treatment. Hundreds of activities are scheduled each year to support the goals of this important week. [inline_cta_one]
Preventative Health Tips For Men
Men can improve their overall health and reduce the risk of many medical conditions. Women can also use these tips to model healthy habits for the boys and men in their lives. These health tips are beneficial during National Men’s Health Week, as well as throughout the rest of the year.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise reduces your risk of heart disease, lowers the risk of certain cancers, and keeps your weight at a healthy level. Both men and women benefit from a combination of endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises. Aim to exercise at least twice every week.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Regardless of your sex, you can improve your health by eating a balanced diet including plenty of vegetables and fruits every day. You should also limit your intake of unhealthy foods, such as those that are high in fats and sugars.
Limit Alcohol
Men should limit their intake of alcohol to avoid a variety of health problems, as well as the risk of addiction; it’s estimated over nine million men suffer from alcohol use disorder in the U.S. Women can also support the health of men by avoiding alcohol and encouraging men to follow suit.
Do Not Use Tobacco
Men and women can both benefit from avoiding the dangers of cigarette smoke and other forms of tobacco. If you’re already smoking or using tobacco, quitting provides both immediate and long-term benefits. Men should avoid the use of tobacco to protect their own health. Women can avoid using tobacco to set a good example and avoid exposing loved ones to secondhand smoke.
Reduce Stress
Physical and emotional stress can lead to many complications. Men can improve both their physical and mental health by reducing stress. Women can support men by helping them take steps to identify and eliminate stressors. Some tips for managing stress include:
- planning ahead and preparing for stressful events
- deciding which tasks should be completed first
- noticing when you feel stressed and taking the time to relax
- talking with family and friends
Seek Health Care When Needed
Another important preventative health tip involves seeking treatment as soon as you notice concerning signs or symptoms. Men can detect illnesses earlier when they visit the doctor regularly and bring up any problems they’re experiencing. Women can support the men in their lives by engaging in preventative care and encouraging men to do the same.
Acknowledging Men And Mental Health
During National Men’s Health Week, physical health should not be the only focus. This week also offers an opportunity to bring attention to mental health issues among men. Men may suffer from a variety of mental health concerns that impact their quality of life. Common examples include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder. Learning to recognize the symptoms of these conditions and seeking medical treatment when necessary can limit the effects of mental health problems among men.
