I feel very fortunate that my husband takes his health seriously and sees his doctors on a routine basis. That’s not true for most men, which probably explains why women outlive their male counterparts by an average of five years.
It’s important that senior men manage their health wisely for a longer, healthier, more fulfilling life. Please reference the following checklist to learn how you or a gentleman you know can take better care:
- Schedule Routine Exams – Seeing your general practitioner or primary care provider for annual exams and wellness checks is a great way to be proactive about good health and monitor vital signs and labs, which are important to determine if there are any issues.
- See a Doctor When Symptoms Surface – If you notice something is wrong, do something about it. Men should see their doctor or a specialist anytime concerning symptoms arise, because early detection of any medical condition is a precursor to faster healing and recovery.
- Be Proactive about Being More Active – Exercise is not always on a senior man’s agenda, but it is an important factor for being and staying healthy. Play a round of golf; take regular walks in your neighborhood, park or mall; go to a local gym; enroll in an online exercise class; start doing yoga, swim a few laps in a pool…you get the idea.
- Pay Attention to Skin Changes – Skin cancer is prevalent among male and female seniors in Florida. Regularly check your skin for changes in moles or for unexplained eruptions that could be cancerous or become so. A dermatologist is the specialist to see to identify issues with your skin.
- Cancer Screenings are Essential – Depending upon your age, family medical history and lifestyle, certain cancer screenings may be deemed essential by your healthcare provider. These include regular colon, prostate and lung cancer screenings.
- Sunscreen should be Mandatory – The Sunshine State lives up to its name, so blocking as many UV rays as possible is a good thing. Sunscreen with high levels of protection should be applied to exposed skin whenever you are going to be outdoors. Be sure to reapply after swimming or perspiring to maintain proper protection from the sun’s wicked rays.
- Daily Flossing Promotes Better Health – Plaque and tartar on natural teeth can lead to gum disease, which has been found to impact cardiovascular health. Make it a habit to floss before brushing your teeth every day to prevent gum disease and promote better health.
- Consistently Eat a Healthy Diet – June is Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month, so it’s a great time to remind men and women about the importance of good nutrition. No matter how old we are, our bodies need the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables. Moreover, our appetites and metabolisms change as we age, so consuming healthy food for meals and snacks is even more important. Meatless Monday,” a “Fish Friday” or a “Vegetarian Day” once a week.
- Decrease Alcohol Intake – Alcohol has been shown to cause damage to the heart, liver, and pancreas, and it also impacts the brain and our ability to think, react, communicate and process information. Men should drink no more than two alcoholic beverages a day, and that may be too much! Please be extra-careful with your alcohol consumption for better health.
- Stop Smoking – Full stop. Research has clearly shown the hazards of smoking tobacco. For help quitting smoking, contact your primary care provider or our state help line, Tobacco Free Florida.
- Relax and Enjoy Life – Stress is a common factor for many health conditions. As we’re getting back to life, be sure to take time for yourself and enjoy hobbies and activities with family and friends. This is recommended for men and women, because it helps our physical and mental health.
June is also Men’s Health Awareness Month, which is why I wanted to share this checklist. Feel free to pass this information along to your male family members and friends, and encourage them to really take care by following these helpful tips.
If you or a senior man you know needs assistance with anything on this checklist, I am happy to offer a FREE Consultation to discuss specific needs and create a personalized, comprehensive care plan to help improve their quality of life and health through wellness calls, personal care, companionship, meal planning and preparation, homemaking assistance and more.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award for the fifth consecutive year: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021. We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ 727.942.2539
Source:
Tanner Health System
