It’s Men’s Health Week and a perfect time to remind the men in your life to take inventory of their health. Schedule a tee time or a hike (with lots of water) for Father’s Day to remind dad to be active. Healthy lifestyle choices and routine doctor visits can greatly improve the chances for longevity.

Preventative Screenings

“Men are at higher risk for many serious diseases, including heat disease, lung cancer, lung diseases, liver disease and stroke,” explains Dr. Sarah Ducharme, medical director of TMC Outpatient Wound Care Center. “To improve men’s health, it is important to raise awareness about preventive screenings and regular health care for men of all ages.”

When was the last time dad had a well check?  Preventive care can keep your health on track and recognize health issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Screening for prostate heath, colon cancer, as well as keeping up with recommended vaccines, are great preventive tools.

Lifestyle

Encourage dad to maintain a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Maintaining a healthy weight can be beneficial in staving off heart disease, stroke and other health consequences. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol are other suggestions to help dad be at his best.

Mental Health

What about mental health? Make sure dad is maintaining connections. In 2023, loneliness was declared a public health crisis by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. If you can’t regularly visit with dad, make sure he knows about community programs such as TMC for Seniors that encourage socialization.