How to Prioritize Your Health as a Man

Men are at risk of a range of different health issues throughout their lives. However, compared to women, they’re statistically more likely to ignore symptoms and less likely to seek help when they’re unwell. We’re here to encourage men to prioritize their health and wellbeing.

Schedule regular health screenings

Health check-ups and screenings are a way of identifying any health issues or determining whether someone has a higher chance of developing a health issue so that early treatment can be offered. The availability of health screenings will differ depending on where you live in the world, but if they’re offered to you, try to go to them regularly.

Studies show that men are less likely to undergo health screenings than women, with barriers like fear and low risk perception preventing them from attending. Health screenings may help you to lead a healthier, longer life, so speak to your doctor about the screenings available to you, and take control of your health.

Be mindful of common men’s health issues

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among younger men. You’re most at risk if you have undescended testes or have a family history of testicular cancer. It’s recommended to conduct monthly self-examinations following a warm shower – you’re looking for any lumps, hardness, enlargement, pain or any changes in one or both of your testicles. Should you detect an abnormality, speak to your doctor immediately, so that further tests can be done.

According to Prostate Cancer UK, an eighth of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Prostate cancer develops slowly and often has no symptoms, but if you experience any of the following, it’s worth speaking to your doctor.

• Needing to urinate urgently

• Difficulty urinating

• Urinating frequently (particularly at night)

• Pain when urinating

• Severe weight loss

• Lower back pain or bone pain

Leave unhealthy habits behind

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide, and studies show that one in three men smoke (compared to less than one in ten women). Giving up smoking is no easy task, but with the right support and a plan in place, you’ll be able to stop.

Speak to your doctor, seek out support groups, and consider counseling or hypnotherapy to help you through the withdrawal stage. Let your friends and family know that you plan to quit. Ask them to give you plenty of encouragement, and to avoid lighting up around you.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet

Research shows that people who eat a healthy, balanced diet are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. Make sure you’re eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, lean protein, dairy and soluble fiber.

If you follow a restrictive diet (for example, if you’re vegan), you’ll need to make sure you’re getting all the right nutrients, so speak to a nutritionist or do some research to make sure you’re not missing out on anything important.

Get regular exercise

Physical activity is one of the best ways to look after our minds and bodies. Exercise can improve your mood, build muscle strength and stamina, reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, lower your blood pressure, and help you to maintain a healthy weight. It may also help you to live longer, and delay or prevent illnesses and diseases linked to aging.

Take care of your mental health

For many men, talking about mental health can be difficult or even taboo. Men often mask symptoms of mental health disorders, and engage in unhealthy behaviors as a way of coping with their emotions. They’re also less likely than women to seek professional help when they’re stressed.

One of the best ways to keep yourself mentally healthy is to recognize when you’re struggling, and to know when to seek help. You could open up to a trusted friend or family member, speak to your doctor, seek help from a trained counselor through the Lyra Wellbeing team, or look for a support group online or in your area.

If you’re looking for more advice on how to improve your health and wellbeing, reach out to your EAP for support. We're here to help.