Every June is Men’s Health Month. This year, if you’re a senior take the month to start new habits to take control of your health.

Not only start new habits, but make sure you’re healthy by scheduling screenings and doctor appointments. Here are general recommendations on men’s health and how to live a full, healthy life.

Regular Screenings

For men 65 and older, make sure you have regular doctor visits. Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends these screening tests:

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Diabetes mellitus, type 2
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Other screening tests can include lipid disorders and sexually transmitted diseases.

Eat Well

For your diet, focus on fiber and getting more calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. The amount of calories you need a day range from 2,000 if you’re not active, to about 2,300 if you’re moderately active, and up to 2,800 calories for active men.

Make sure you eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut back on processed foods and sugary drinks such as soda, sweet tea, and juice.

Be Active

Healthier living includes being active. In addition to eating healthier foods, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least being physically active for 30 minutes five times a week.

You may need to start slow and work up to this amount of exercise. Also, walking, swimming, jogging, and other exercises all count toward this goal.

If you are active during summer months, be sure to exercise in the cooler parts of the day such as the morning or evening. Apply sunscreen if you’re outside during the day during the sun’s peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — use SPF 30 or greater — and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Monitor Your Health

Men over 50 years of age should have a complete physical at least every two years. They should have their cholesterol tested every three years and their blood pressure checked every year.

Cancer screenings should occur every three years. A testicular self-exam to check for abnormalities or growths in your testicles should occur every month.

Beginning at age 50, men should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. Or consult with your healthcare provider to see if you should have one sooner than 10 years.

A CARING-FIRST ENVIRONMENT

Senior living communities like Regency at Augusta are precisely that—a community. Residents become friends and even family, and a caring team is there to help them maintain their quality of life.

At Regency at Augusta, we offer both Assisted Living and Memory Care and we care with Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Residents first and Teamwork. We like to call it Caring with H.E.A.R.T.™!

If you believe a senior living community would benefit your loved one, get in touch with us. Schedule a visit or download a brochure today!