June is Men’s Health Month in Canada – a time to inspire Canadian men to live healthier lives by making their health and wellness a priority. According to research, more women than men are likely to visit their primary care provider for regular check-ups, diagnostic services and preventative healthcare. Studies also show that continuity of care is associated with better health outcomes.
Simple lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of many common health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and prostate cancer. Here are three simple tips to help men stay healthy and in control of their health.
Get regular check-ups
Regular check-ups with your doctor can help you stay healthy, provide an opportunity to talk about your health concerns, and detect early warning signs of disease or illness. A generation ago, people used to see their doctor only when they were sick. Today, preventative health care is becoming commonplace, as people are more empowered about their health. However, according to a US nationwide online study in May 2022, one-third of men do not believe they require yearly health testings, while close to two-thirds of the men evaluated think they are “naturally healthier than others in general.”
Doctors and public health experts have been studying men’s attitudes towards healthcare for years and have heard a plethora of reasons for not seeking medical attention – lack of time, everything seems fine, not wanting to hear that something is wrong, and thinking the experience will be uncomfortable – to name a few. However, many of the most common health conditions in men – heart disease, stroke and cancer (according to the Public Health Agency of Canada) – are preventable through regular screening tests, lifestyle changes and medications. So, the next time you want to postpone your doctor’s visit, think again. There are many convenient ways to connect with a doctor, including using telehealth medicine. In the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee, you can be reassured about your blood pressure, cholesterol, heart health and so much more.
Take advantage of convenient healthcare options
Canadians spend countless number of hours visiting doctors. The travel and wait time for a doctor’s appointment can be costly and take several hours or even a full day — often deterring people from booking their regular check-ups. Did you know that for most health care services, there’s a more convenient way? Telemedicine is a powerful tool that enables patients to consult with doctors, specialists and healthcare professionals across Ontario through a secure and confidential telemedicine platform by video or phone. With telemedicine, patients can easily connect with healthcare professionals to get the care they need quickly and from the comfort of their home.
Many telemedicine platforms, like Tulip Health, offer same-day or next-day appointments to help you with your healthcare needs including general consultations, acute medical concerns such as coughs, fevers, rashes etc., follow-up appointments, mental wellness, referrals to specialists and diagnostic testing and more. And, the best part is that they’re convenient, easy to use, and covered by OHIP.
Stay active
According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, heart disease is the second leading cause of death and hospitalization in Canada and affects over 2.4 million Canadians. The good news is, up to 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease while improving your physical and mental wellbeing. Research shows that even modest amounts of exercise can make a positive impact on your mental health, no matter your age or fitness level.
How much exercise is enough?
Experts suggest trying to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, every week. Aerobic exercise includes activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, basketball, tennis, and other sports. No time? Research shows that even short bursts of physical activity—as few as 10 minutes of intense activity several times a day—can help you improve your health. Talk to your doctor about the right exercise program for you. Visit the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines website for a list of resources to help you get started.
No more excuses! The time is now to start making simple lifestyle changes that can improve your physical and mental wellbeing. For more practical tips and tools, visit the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation. To connect with an Ontario doctor quickly and conveniently at no cost, visit www.tuliphealth.ca.
