As we conclude National Men’s Health Month we wanted to shed light on the importance of supporting boys and men take charge of their overall health by making healthy life decisions. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and its overall impact, men getting regular checkups and being aware of the risks for their age, ethnicity, and lifestyle is paramount. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13.2% of men aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health. With proper screenings and care, men can take the necessary steps to enrich their health and extend their life. 

Some things men can do to enrich their health include:

• Drinking more water
• Avoid smoking as smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and a higher risk of erectile disfunction.
• Walking 30 minutes per day or exercising at least 3 times per week 
• Consider talking to a solutionist to help prevent and/or heal mental health issues
• Decreasing your sugar intake
• Decreasing your fatty/cholesterol intake
• Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Aim to make fruits and vegetables half of your plate; more green than brown
• If you are over 40, have your annual colonoscopy and 

prostate exam 

• Annual physical, dental exam {twice a year}, and eye exam
• Regular checkups are preventive and help eliminate long-term issues

Taking charge of your overall health and wellness enables you to be fruitful, multiply, subdue, replenish and have dominion (Genesis 1:28) just as the Lord instructed. For more information, you can go to info@minorityhealth.hhs.gov.