June highlights men's health Published June 7, 2013 By 60th Medical Group Public Affairs 60th Medical Group Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- National health leaders and local communities celebrate and promote June as Men's Health Month, which is a special awareness period to help educate men and their families about the importance of positive health attitudes and preventive health practices. Men's Health Month also encourages early detection and treatment of diseases. Part of being aware is looking at lifestyle choices, such as diet habits, exercise, smoking and alcohol use. "Men live shorter, less healthy lives than women, but it doesn't have to be that way," said Armin Brott, nationally syndicated columnist and radio host of "Positive Parenting". "Men are often so concerned with taking care of their family that they neglect their own health," Brott said. "To prevent any illnesses and ensure you'll be around longer to take care and provide for those you love, go and get checked in June." Men can be safer, stronger and healthier by following these basic tips: Learn your family health history: Are there any conditions or diseases that have occurred within your family? Your family history can influence your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes or cancer. Know and understand your numbers: You know your favorite team's or player's stats, but what about your own? Keep track of your numbers for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and body mass index. Pay attention to signs and symptoms: Listed are warning signs males may experience: excessive thirst, rash, difficulty with urination, chest pain or shortness of breath. If you have symptoms, be sure to see your doctor right away. Keep in mind that a physical exam or screening test may be needed to correctly diagnosis and treat a problem. Take daily action to improve health: Lack of sleep can be associated with diseases or conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression. Driving while drowsy is dangerous. Adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Be active for at least two and a half hours a week: You don't have to leap like LeBron James or throw like Tom Brady to get the most out of sports. Whether you play hoops, bicycle or walk, get your heart pumping with at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise at least three or four days per week. By getting your body mass index under 25, you'll lower chances of heart disease, stroke and joint problems. Include an activity that raises your heart rate and strengthens your muscles. When participating in sports, riding a bike or motorcycle, be sure to exercise safety as well. Make sure you, friends and family wear protective gear. Use equipment such as helmets, wrist guards and knee and elbow pads. Wear seat belts as a driver and a passenger - it's the law. Eat what counts: Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat and alcohol. Always choose healthy snacks. Be smoke-free: You already know that smoking causes lung cancer, bladder cancer and a host of other health issues but also keep in mind that second-hand smoke causes those same problems for your spouse, kids and anybody around you. Get help from the Travis Health and Wellness Center, which offers smoke cessation classes or talk to your primary care manager or the nursing staff at David Grant USAF Medical Center to see if there are medications to help you stop. Kicking the habit has immediate and long-term benefits. Within 20 minutes after smoking that last cigarette, your body begins a series of changes that continue for years. Get a checkup: Make sure you get regular screenings for cholesterol and high blood pressure. If you're over the age of 45, the American Urological Association recommends an annual screening for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer affects one in six men over the age of 50, making it one of the most common types of cancer found in American men and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in men. Getting a prostate-specific antigen test for men measures a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous prostate tissue and can help identify cancer early on. Men's Health Month is promoted by Men's Health Network, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys and their families where they live, work, play, and provide health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities and patient navigation. To learn more about MHN go to www.menshealthnetwork.org. This month, we will keep you informed of some great health tips and sites for our men out there. Start with a couple of our Air Force Medical Service sites to find more health information to keep you going. Visit http://www.afms.af.mil/betterhealth/ or http://www.menshealthatoz.org/. All men can work with their primary care manager and nursing staff at David Grant USAF Medical Center to stay healthy. Call your PCM to make an appointment today at 423-3000 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.