Edward-Elmhurst Health: 5 things men should do to stay healthy

Staying healthy as you age doesn’t mean your calendar will be loaded with doctor appointments and your cabinets stocked with vitamins and medications.

It also doesn’t mean ignoring healthy activities and spending your days on the couch channel surfing.

As we age, we must adjust our habits to maintain our health. There are easy ways men can make healthy habits part of their daily routine.

Consider your primary care physician your guide to good health. With an annual visit, your doctor can run some simple tests to make sure you’re feeling good for years to come. Regular check-ups can also help your doctor catch any health issues or symptoms and treat them before they turn into a serious health problem.

Here are five things men should do to stay healthy as they age:

1. Get checked. Get your blood pressure checked yearly and cholesterol checked every 1-5 years, depending on levels and age. Get tested for diabetes too, especially people who are overweight or have a family history.
2. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can lead to heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, depression, sleep apnea and other issues. Also, limit alcohol intake which can increase the risk for obesity and cause other health issues.
3. Exercise regularly. Strive for 30 minutes of cardio activity five times a week. In addition to helping you maintain a healthy weight, exercise can relieve stress and improve your mood, self-esteem, heart health, sex life and sleep.
4. Get enough sleep. Losing a few hours of sleep can have a major effect on well-being. Sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain and mental health issues.
5. Get screened for cancer. Most men need their first colonoscopy at age 50 (sometimes earlier depending on individual risk factors and family history) to screen for colon cancer. Screening for prostate cancer usually starts around age 50, but you can discuss the appropriate time to start this screening with your doctor. Current and former smokers should ask about a lung cancer screening. If you do smoke, quit. Kicking the habit can lower your risk of heart disease, asthma, lung cancer and many other health issues.

Get more information at EEHealth.org.