4 Could you be doing more to take care of your health? If you’re like most men, the answer is probably yes. On average, men are more likely than women to make some unhealthy choices in their daily lives and to avoid seeing a provider like they should. Don’t be too hard on yourself if that describes you. Just know that it’s not too late to start taking care of your health, even if it’s been a while since you’ve seen a provider or perused a produce aisle. What’s in it for you? For starters, feeling great and living your best. In the big picture, it’s also about having more years to spend in better health with the people and activities you enjoy. Start with a primary care provider If you don’t already have one, schedule an appointment with a primary care provider (PCP). That’s a doctor or other medical provider you see (usually once a year) for checkups and other preventive care. Preventive care includes things like physical exams and recommended vaccinations and health screenings. Checkups and screenings can help prevent some health problems from ever starting. And they can help your provider find some health problems early, when they’re often easier to treat. Get ahead of health risks There are many things men, working with their primary care provider, can do to help guard against a variety of major health risks, including: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Even if you feel fine, you could have these conditions, major causes of heart disease, stroke, and other complications. Having your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels checked (ask your provider how often) can reveal these hidden hazards. How men can enjoy
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