June is Men’s Health Month

June is Men’s Health Month and every year Men’s Health Week is celebrated in the week leading up to and including Father’s Day. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to increase awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

Tips for men on how to take better care of themselves:

• Get regular check-ups: Did you know men are half as likely to visit a doctor for a check-up as women, and over seven million men have not seen a doctor in over 10 years? If you cannot remember the last time you had a complete physical, call your doctor and make an appointment. (You would not let 10 years go between oil changes in your car, would you?)

• Be more physically active: June is a great time to start a healthier lifestyle by being more physically active. Research shows exercise helps prevent heart disease and obesity and lowers blood pressure. Aim for 30-60 minutes on most days. You can even spread it out over the course of your day.

• Improve the nutritional quality of your diet: Some tips on how to improve the nutritional quality of your diet include eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole gains and low-fat foods. Especially limit cholesterol intake and avoid saturated fats.

• Pay attention to warning signs: When a warning light flashes on the car dashboard, most men take the car to the shop. But when warning lights flash on the body, most men do not (or will not) notice. Examples of flashing lights to look far are changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent backaches, recurrent chest pains and extreme fatigue.

Men’s health issues significantly impact everyone around them, and far too many men never see a doctor unless there is something seriously wrong or a partner/spouse makes the appointment for them. Women and men should educate themselves about potential male health problems. Check out www.menshealthnetwork.org for resources and health facts.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events:

June 18 – Woodworking 4-H Workshop, 6 p.m., 1292 N US Hwy 231 (Steve Lien)

June 20 – Photography 4-H Workshop, 6-8 p.m., Harris Hall

June 25 – Poster Making 4-H Workshop, 6 p.m., Harris Hall

August 12 – My Record of Achievement 4-H Workshop, 6 p.m., Extension Office