Fellas, here’s how to master your health at any age

Men often feel invincible, leading to many putting off routine healthcare. But, your greatest superpower is taking charge of your well-being.

Here’s how you can get started, no matter your age.

In your 20s:

• Quit smoking, or better yet, don’t start.
• Limit alcohol to two drinks per day.
• Fuel your mind and body with fruits and vegetables, plenty of protein and healthy fats from nuts and olive oil.
• Visit your primary care provider for yearly checkups. There, you’ll get screened for high blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Avoid distracted driving.
• Get a yearly flu shot.

In your 30s:

• Keep your body active by aiming for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise and two or more muscle-strengthening sessions each week.
• Continue eating a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats.
• If you haven’t already, gather your family history of cancer, heart disease and other conditions. Share this information with your primary care provider.

Related Article: Knowing your family’s past medical history can benefit your future 

In your 40s:

• Make time for yourself to unwind and connect with others. If you feel overwhelmed or hopeless, talk with your provider.
• Make sure you are being screened for certain conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, and certain cancers, including colorectal and prostate.

In your 50s:

• Continue the conversation about screenings. You might need to add tests for hepatitis C and lung cancer to your routine screenings.
• Talk to your provider about vaccines. In addition to flu and COVID-19, get one for shingles, a virus that causes a painful rash.

Related Article: Is this rash shingles?

Your 60s and beyond:

• Maintain regular checkups. Follow your provider’s guidance on screenings and on treatments for existing health conditions.
• Even if you can’t get 150 minutes of exercise each week, any amount of movement helps, so stay active.
• Keep you mind active and maintain a healthy social life.
• Continue a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nutrient-rich proteins and healthy fats.
• Once you reach 65, get shots for pneumonia.

Related Article: Who needs the pneumonia vaccine?

Source: healthlibrary.sjchs.org by Krames/WebMD Ignite