Your Complete Guide to Men’s Health

Physical health is a vital aspect of your well-being, it’s only a part of the puzzle. Your body is intricately interconnected, so when it comes to nurturing your whole health, consider your body, mind and spirit, and how they impact each other.

Keep reading for your complete guide to men’s health and how we can help you live your best life.

Eat Your Way Toward Better Health

Food fuels your body and helps it function on a daily basis. Just like a car, the higher quality fuel you put in the tank, the better output you’ll get. That’s why you tend to feel more lethargic after a day full of eating unhealthy foods, and more alert and energetic after eating meals high in protein and healthy fats. A healthy diet for men could include the following:

• Fiber-rich foods
• Foods rich in protein, like chicken or fish
• Heart-healthy fats, like walnuts and avocados
• Plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains, like oats or brown rice

Prioritizing nutritious foods is associated with many health benefits, like better heart health, weight management, increased energy, reduced risk of chronic diseases and better gut health. While it’s OK to enjoy a few slices of pizza or an occasional bowl of ice cream, it’s best to avoid eating foods high in calories or fat that offer little nutritional value. Prioritizing a healthy diet will help you feel and perform your best in all you do.

Move Your Body

Exercising is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. And the good news is that you don’t have to be a seasoned runner or elite athlete to reap the benefits. It’s recommended that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. This means you can create a beginner workout plan or a home gym routine that prioritizes quick workouts to fit into your busy schedule. Here are a few exercises you can try at home with no gym equipment to keep your body in motion:

• Bodyweight squats or lunges
• Cycling
• Jumping rope
• Push-ups/pull-ups
• Sit-ups
• Swimming
• Walking/running

Men who regularly exercise tend to have reduced risk of heart disease, increased testosterone levels, reduced risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) and more strength and muscle mass. Regular exercise also enhances mental health. Men who consistently work out have lower rates of depression, anxiety and stress, as well as improved cognitive function, self-esteem and confidence.

Nurture Your Mental Well-Being

Men’s mental health matters. It’s a vital yet often overlooked aspect of men’s whole health because of societal pressures to ignore their emotions and “man up.” However, research from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America shows that one in 10 men experiences depression or anxiety, with over half not receiving treatment. It’s time to break the stigma around men’s mental health, and we’re here to help.

It’s important to recognize and name when you’re struggling with your mental health. This doesn’t make you any less of a man. It’s OK to not be OK, and our behavioral health experts are here to help you heal. We offer a range of mental health services, including individual therapy, psychiatrist sessions and therapeutic crafts.

To nurture your mental health, we recommend:

• Building social connections
• Engaging in hobbies
• Exercising
• Practicing mindfulness
• Praying
• Seeking professional help

If you’re thinking about or planning suicide, know that you’re not alone in these thoughts, and you don’t have to follow through with them. There are people here for you, 24 hours a day, at the National Suicide Hotline at Call Call1-800-273-8255 and the Crisis Text Line when you text HOME to 741741. There is help for you, always.

Stay Current With Preventive Screenings

When it comes to your health, prevention is the best medicine. Many types of cancers are highly treatable and even curable when caught early, highlighting the importance of regular health screenings. Common preventive screenings for men include:

• Colorectal screening
• Heart screening
• Prostate cancer screening
• Skin cancer screening
• Testicular cancer screening

Your primary care provider can help you stay up to date on current screenings based on your age and learn the warning signs of men’s health issues so you can seek prompt care as soon as you notice symptoms. One screening is all it takes so you can live well for the rest of your life.

Helping Men Live Their Best Lives

At AdventHealth, our dedicated men’s health providers are here to meet your unique healthcare needs while partnering with you for a lifetime of wellness.

Learn more about our men’s healthcare services or find a provider near you.