June is Men’s Health Month
Prevention of chronic disease is key to leading a healthy life for men of all ages. The number one cause of death is heart disease in the USA. Cancer is the second leading cause of death. There are many resources available to screen and reduce complications of both heart disease and cancer, if caught early.
Please join us for a Healthy Aging for Men seminar on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 7-8 pm at the Library of the Chathams, 214 Main Street, Chatham provided by the Community Health & Outreach Department at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
Routine comprehensive physical exams screen for both heart disease and certain cancers. Routine bloodwork includes Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Complete Blood Count, Lipid Panel (to check cholesterol), HA1c (to check sugar control). Additionally, you can request for Vitamin D deficiency screening, as it is not standard but a common deficiency in the USA. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is another blood test that becomes routine to screen for prostate cancer, which is typically started at age 50 unless at a higher risk. Colonoscopies are now recommended for routine colon cancer screening at age 45. If you are a current everyday smoker, or a former smoker, discuss this with your general practitioner. You could be eligible for low-dose chest CT for lung cancer screening. Additionally, a one-time aortic aneurysm screen is recommended for smokers and former smokers with significant history after the age of 65.
In addition to routine screening, daily commitment to personal health is key. Physical activity and a well-balanced diet can help improve overall quality of life and reduce risk for health complications. Physical activity improves mental health, improves mobility, and can increase one’s chance of living longer. The American Heart Association recommends at least 25 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, where your heart rate is elevated above baseline, for at least 5 days a week. There are also benefits of resistance training such as improved bone health and a decrease in visceral fat.
A well-balanced diet is usually defined as the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet has been extensively studied and has been consistently found to contribute to overall health and wellness. It consists of healthy fats, whole grains, and largely plant-based with occasional fish and meat. Once a day men’s multivitamin can also provide additional benefits to the Mediterranean diet; it is also recommended to take an over-the-counter Vitamin D supplement as this is a common deficiency. Living a healthy life requires daily commitment and routine annual screens.
Written on behalf of the Mayors Wellness Campaign Advisory Committee of the Chathams, Christine Steinberg, DNP, APN-C.
