Be a man of action — take care of your health

Men can take action by taking control of their health.

Men don’t always like to talk about their health issues. Finding someone who has your back is one way men can take action to commit to being healthier.

Friends, family and mentors, as well as health care professionals, can help men meet their health goals. To quote Congressman Bill Richardson: “Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.”

Eating right, staying active, getting enough sleep and exercise, and getting regular checkups and preventive exams also are part of the action plan for men.

Men who are get-it-done types will want to make a list of the things that are bothering them, and questions to ask before their healthcare appointments. Bring a friend or family member along to make sure everything is addressed, or just to offer support. And be sure to ask your doctor plenty of questions.

During Men’s Health Week, June 15-21 (the week before Father’s Day), men are encouraged to take charge by being aware of their health issues — those that can affect anyone as well as those that affect only men, such as testicular cancer, and those that men are more susceptible to, such as colorectal cancer and back pain.