National Men’s Health Week is observed each year leading up to Father’s Day. This week is a great reminder for men to talk to their Doctor’s to get any necessary annual screenings scheduled, take steps to be healthier, and get a quick refresher of signs and symptoms to look out for.

Have Regular Check-ups:

First, be sure to know your family history so you can share that with your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Also, regular check-ups are especially important to check biometrics like A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Keep in mind, that certain diseases and conditions may not have symptoms, so check-ups with your PCP can help identify issues early or before they can become a problem.

Get Screened:

Talk with your doctor/PCP about when and how often you should be screened. Depending on your personal health history, family health history, or screening results, your doctor may recommend a different screening schedule than below (from the CDC.gov).

Print the CDC’s Men’s Screening Cheat Sheet here.

Eat Healthy:

Eat a rainbow!! Getting in lots of colorful fruits and vegetables every day ensures you are getting essential vitamins and minerals that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Limit foods and drinks that are processed, high in sugar, salt, saturated fat, and alcohol.

Stay Active:

Shoot for 30 minutes of physical activity, most days of the week! This can anything from a brisk walk, a game of golf with some friends, to a sweat session at the gym – whatever it is, make sure you enjoy it, and do it often! Regular activity helps control your weight, reduce your risk of heart disease and some cancers, and can improve your mental health and mood. If exercising outside, be sure to wear SPF 30 sunscreen and reapply it regularly.

Reduce Stress:

Make sure you are taking time for your self-care, doing things you enjoy, and managing stress through stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, exercise, journaling, or talking to a friend or professional. Regular activity is a great form of stress management.

Kick the Tobacco Habit:

Quitting tobacco can be tough, but by utilizing Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT’s – no cost to III-A members) and getting support from the III-A Health Coach, you can be successful. Call Megan Smith to get started on tobacco cessation coaching today: 208-860-1979

Know the Signs:

Heart Attack: If you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack call 911 immediately. Major signs of a heart attack include:
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder
• Shortness of breath

Depression/Anxiety:

If you are struggling with any of the below signs or symptoms, seek help as early as possible. Utilize your III-A EAP benefit for in-person or video counseling at no additional cost.
• Persistent sadness
• Grumpiness
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Tiredness and decreased energy
• Thoughts of suicide

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, please seek help immediately:

• Call 911
• Visit a nearby emergency department or your health care provider’s office
• Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline:

o Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline Text or Call: 1-208-398-4357 OR dial 211
o National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) OR TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor