Now is a good time to take stock of your health and remember it’s never too late to start making healthy changes.
Begin by taking this men’s health quiz to find out what screenings or tests you might need to update your health records and determine what unhealthy habits to try and eliminate.
One of the simplest ways to jumpstart or recharge a healthy lifestyle is via diet and exercise. Eating well and staying active every day can help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight. Keeping these numbers in check can decrease your chance for serious conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Quitting smoking, or any tobacco use, and drinking alcohol in moderation can also have a great and positive impact on your health.
As for diet, making small swaps on a regular basis is helpful. Order a salad instead of fries for a side, drink sparkling water instead of sodas, and opt for baked versions of your favorite dishes over fried.
When exercising, find a sport or workout that you love and you’ll be more apt to stick with it. Aim for at least 30 minutes daily, five times a week.
Scheduling an annual check-up with your doctor is also a good idea, even if you feel fine. Discuss what screenings or vaccinations are appropriate for your age and according to your family health history.
Here are some guidelines:
- check blood pressure every 2 years
- check cholesterol every 5 years
- screen for colorectal cancer if 50 or older and there is a family history of it
- screen for prostate cancer if there is a family history of it
- screen for skin cancer if you have a suspicious mole or a family history of it
Keep up with Texas Orthopedics news by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic).
