Each June, Men’s Health Month seeks to raise awareness of preventable health issues and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. In line with this vision, we’ve put together five tips to improve men’s health.
1. See your doctor
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are less likely than women to visit the doctor and have a life expectancy of approximately five years less (PDF) than women. Preventive care screenings are crucial to helping you gage your current health status and identify any health issues before they become more serious. GW employees covered by a university medical plan receive preventive care services at no cost if the services are received in-network. Read the full preventive care guidelines for children and adults (PDF).
Need help finding a doctor? Castlight helps you find doctors and compare them by cost and quality, and is free for GW employees and their spouses and adult dependents enrolled in a university medical plan.
2. Vary your workouts
Try a mix of aerobics, strength training and stretching to keep your body guessing. GW offers free group exercise classes for faculty and staff, as well as fitness discounts. Consider biking as an alternative means of getting around the city, since GW employees can enjoy a significant Capital Bikeshare discount.
3. Focus on nutrition
Practice healthy eating habits by focusing on both the quantity and quality of your food. Control portion sizes and take advantage of healthy substitutions. For instance, substitute margarine and butter with heart-healthy olive oil, swap out simple carbohydrates for complex ones and choose low-sodium products over originals. Read 10 Secrets to Making Recipes Healthier.
4. Prioritize sleep
Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night to improve productivity, boost energy, encourage healthy eating and reduce the risk of chronic health problems.
5. Check your head
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Learn to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health concerns, identify if you are drinking too much and find out if you have a family history of mental illness.
Telemental Health (PDF) is available through your UHC Medical Benefit, offering private mental health appointments with a network of over 3,000 providers in all 50 states – all from the comfort of home.
