Men, Listen Up!

Next Sunday is Father’s Day and the week leading up to it is Men’s Health Week as part of Men’s Health Month in June. I shared with you last week how my husband reminded me about the spirit of charity when I forgot it. This month, we need to remind the men in our life how important it is to take care of themselves.

For years I played in a tennis league and tried to encourage my husband to do something regularly for exercise. But he wouldn’t. It wasn’t until someone he knew who was around his age died of a heart attack that he finally realized how important it was to take care of himself. He began doing martial arts three times a week.

Sometimes men need a wake up call like that but they shouldn’t have to wait for someone to die to start taking care of themselves.

The Men’s Health Network (MHN) in its Drive for Five, is highlighting information on five important health risks for men--high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and low testosterone.

MHN gives six signs and symptoms men need to be aware of and talk with their doctor about:

1.       Reduced sex drive

2.      Problems during sexual activity

3.      Feelings of sadness

4.      Bladder or bowel control

5.      Weight gain

6.      Drug abuse

MHN also gives tips for how to prevent health problems:

1. Get plenty of rest, eat right, and exercise often
2. Check with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program
3. Know your family's health history
4. See your doctor at least once a year, and ask for an explanation of your test results and what it all means
5. Make sure you follow the treatment plans that you have worked out with your doctor

Everyone, support the men in your life by spreading the word about these health tips and the resources I’ve mentioned. Let’s help men stay healthy!