Men! Ask These Questions to Improve Your Health
It’s time to man up and ask the questions that can help you live healthier.
Although some men may be stubborn or find opening up about their health difficult, the truth is, all men—the unwavering king of the house, the 21-year-old college student, the cardigan-loving grandpa, and even the tween son—have important, personal reasons to check in with their health.
Here are questions men should ask to keep their health trending up.
What’s your body telling you?
Your body finds ways to sound the alarm and tell you something’s awry within. However, in no way does that mean to wait to take action until something bad or dangerous happens. Prevention is key to prolonged health!
Is it harder to do typical activities? Has breathing become more challenging? Is an area of your skin discolored? Take note of seemingly small or insignificant internal and external changes. If something feels off, consider getting a second opinion.
Do you have added stress and anxiety?
Mental health is important to everyone—men and women, young and old. It’s easy for some men to play the “tough card” and sweep their mental health concerns under the rug.
Unfortunately, men died by suicide nearly 3.6% more often than women in 2018. Furthermore, almost 70% of suicides reported in 2018 were white males.
Seek appropriate help if you’re struggling with your mental well being for any reason. Start with a conversation with a trusted family member, a doctor, or a therapist.
Above all, remember that you are not alone, and help is available.
Am I at an increased risk of injury?
Men should consider what dangers or threats to their health lurk in their everyday environments, including their office, home, gym, or neighborhood.
It’s not a bad idea to do an environment assessment every now and again to identify hazardous areas that could lead to a trip to the emergency room.
It’s also important to analyze what common activities could potentially damage your health, like walking to your car through bad weather, cleaning up the workspace in the garage, or even mowing the lawn.
Are you at risk for cancer?
Cancer attacks in many forms. There’s skin cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and the list goes on. Nobody wants to be told they have cancer—or any life-threatening disease—but early detection is key in treating many diseases, including cancer.
Because some forms of cancer are harder to detect than others, it’s important to have regular screenings with your healthcare provider.
What health trends exist in your family tree?
Take a look through your family tree and take note of common ailments, especially with the men in your family.
Though disclosing medical information is a personal decision, consider chatting with relatives about their health conditions. Spark a conversation during your next family gathering or even send them a quick text.
Just do it
Men, it’s time to take your health care into your own hands! In the long run, you and your loved ones will thank you for asking the tough questions that will help keep you active and healthy.Select Health may link to other websites for your convenience. Select Health does not expressly or implicitly recommend or endorse the views, opinions, specific services, or products referenced at other websites linked to the Select Health site, unless explicitly stated.
The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.