June is Men’s Health Awareness Month! Men’s health is important every day, but June is highlighted to focus on all aspects of health: Mental, Physical and Spiritual. Men know that you are your own promised land, your own frontier meaning how you take care of your health will determine your future. “MACHO” can be hazardous to your health.

Men know that your body keeps score. Be as tuned to your body and health as you are in tune with your automobile. When something sounds off in your auto you get it checked out. When you sense something is off in your body check in with your internal medicine doctor for a screening.

Society has expected men to “man up” and repress and bury emotions rather than address them. Boys are taught that “men don’t cry” and need to internalize their feelings and keep emotions in check. 

• Men and Depression

Depression is one of the most common types of mental health. A mood disorder, depression affects between 15 and 20 percent of people, with women more diagnosed. Depression can be debilitating, and it can cause several serious complications, affecting both mental and physical illness at starkly higher rates in women. More women experience depression, but men are more likely to complete suicide.

• The Connection Between Mental and Physical Health

The mind and body are connected. Stress and anxiety can take a toll on a person’s physical health, lowering the immune system, leading to more frequent sickness, and an inability to cope. Depression can also increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers continue to explore whether physiological changes seen in depression may play a role in increasing the risk of other physical illnesses. Scientists have found that depression changes the way several different systems in the body function that could have an impact on physical health, including:

•   Increased inflammation
•   Changes in the control of heart rate and blood circulation
•   Abnormalities in stress hormones
•   Metabolic changes such as those seen in people at risk for diabetes

It’s essential to make your health a priority. An annual checkup can prevent many health challenges and save your life! A comprehensive health profile evaluates health data and provides snapshots of your health. The screenings include liver, metabolism, kidney function, cholesterol, heart health ad bone health.

It is important to know your blood pressure range for you. Hypertension is a silent killer, especially in people of color. Food is fuel for the body, but high sodium and high sugar foods can be deadly. Limit processed foods that are high in sodium due to the processing methods. Taking the extra time to cook fresh foods that have not been processed can add years to your life. Measuring your blood pressure frequently reminds you to do the things needed to keep it in a healthy range.

Diabetes is another silent killer. The underlying cause of diabetes varies by type. But, no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in your blood. Too much sugar in your blood can lead to serious health problems. Know your A1C numbers. There are no guarantees, but there’s a lot of evidence that making lifestyle changes now can dramatically reduce the direction your health is headed.

Know that there are many health risks associated with alcohol and tobacco use. These are some of the risks, cancer of the mouth and throat, liver cancer, cardiovascular disease, mutual craving, and genetic factors.               

Many health disparities can go undetected without being intentional about health maintenance checks a couple of times a year. Men often pamper their cars ensuring that they are clean and shiny on the outside as well as following through on oil changes and other diagnostics to keep their machines running smoothly. So, gentlemen, your bodies are more important than your cars.

Medical screenings such as colonoscopy and a PSA screening for prostate health. These are screenings that begin around age forty and can detect early problems. 

Exercise is a major benefit for all ages. It improves your memory and brain function; protects against many chronic diseases; aids and weight management; lowers blood pressure, and improves heart health; improves your quality of sleep; reduces feelings of anxiety and depression, and combats cancer-related fatigue. Your body will appreciate all the movements to keep it healthy.

• What is Spirituality?

How is your spiritual health? Spirituality is the broad concept of a belief in something beyond the self. It may involve religious traditions centering on the belief in a higher power, it can also involve individual connection to others and to the world as a whole. Spending time in nature is also spiritual and feeds the spirit. The arts, music, poetry, and other artistic endeavors are also spiritual connections. We are all spiritual beings and will find that several of the spiritual aspects referenced in religion, relationship connections, nature, or the arts will enliven your spirits and hearts. I would encourage men to identify their spiritual components and allow themselves to be at home in that space.

Meditation is a spiritual tool that can bring you peace and serenity. There are many meditation practices. I keep it simple by sitting quietly with my eyes closed and concentrating on my breathing. Meditation is good for the spirit and the body.  There are many meditation apps that one can download to a cellphone.

Rand Research Brief reports, “That there is a link between marriage and long life for men. Numerous studies covering 140 years have shown that married persons tend to live longer than their unmarried counterparts. Does marriage have a direct protective effect, reducing the risk of mortality by providing benefits such as improved health?”

If you don’t have a spouse, consider having a family member or buddy who checks up on you and your health. Wives, significant others, mothers, sisters, and brothers support and encourage the men in your lives to be health conscious and take care of their health.

Men, your health is wealth. Self-awareness and intentional medical screenings are the keys to maintaining your body as a well-oiled machine.