Level Up Your Health Game: National Men’s Health Month
By Senior Marketing Specialist George Meyer
Outdoor activities support whole-person wellness during Men’s Health Month and throughout the year.
June is National Men’s Health Month and an excellent time to evaluate your health and take proactive steps to make improvements.
“Like a car or bike, your body needs regular maintenance and routine evaluation by an expert to ensure it keeps running for a long time,” Southcentral Foundation Senior Physician Dr. Bruce Stockhouse said. “That is why periodic visits to your primary care provider are so important, even if you are feeling fine.”
However, if you have postponed scheduling a physical exam or addressing a health concern, you are not alone. A 2023 survey by the Cleveland Clinic found that nearly half of men do not get physicals regularly. Seeing a provider routinely is an important component of a healthy lifestyle.
Even if you feel healthy, a regular checkup with your provider is a good way to validate your current health, identify concerns, and discuss health care screenings you may need in the future. While broken bones, cuts, and bruises are relatively easy to see, not all health issues are obvious to spot. It is recommended that men under age 50 have a physical exam every 3-5 years; you are age 50 or older you should plan to schedule a physical annually.
“Many men see themselves as the protector or provider for their families,” SCF Exercise Physiologist Andrew Cunningham said. “It is easy to put off seeking preventative self-care when we are focused on others. If we want to have a more fulfilling and impactful life, it is important to take care of ourselves as well. Proper exercise, nutrition, and regular checkups are important for our physical health; however, it is also important to address our mental and spiritual health as well.”
While physical health is important, it is only one part of the wellness picture. Whole-person wellness includes mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Over the course of our lives, we encounter many peaks and valleys — from the highs of falling in love to the lows of losing someone we care about — and that can take a toll on our mental health. You may find it challenging to be vulnerable enough to discuss your mental health, the courage to talk with someone is the first step to wellness. Behavioral health consultants are part of your integrated primary care team and are always available to listen and guide you through the healing process. Your conversations with them are confidential and there is no need for a referral. Appointments can also be scheduled directly through your primary care team.
In June, consider making other healthy lifestyle changes. Eating healthier foods, getting more exercise, and working to eliminate unhealthy habits are all positive steps you can take. When planning to make any change, it is important to remember that they do not have to happen overnight. Setting small, incremental personal health goals can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Spreading them out will help you stay on track as you successfully make healthy lifestyle adjustments. If your goal is to eat healthier, consider eating a wide variety of vitamin and mineral-rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you want to increase your amount of exercise each week, try starting with 30-minute walks.
A lifetime of healthy choices begins by taking the first step. Be patient with yourself as you work to make healthy modifications to your lifestyle. If you would like support from peers and community members, check out virtual and in-person learning circles on the SCF website calendar. SCF also has many programs and services to partner with you during National Men’s Health Month and throughout the year.
Connect with your primary care team to learn more about resources such as physical fitness classes, behavioral health support, family-focused learning circles, healthy cooking classes, the Quit Tobacco Program, and more.
