10 Men’s Wellness Tips from Dr. Jake Taylor, MD, MPH
1. Take charge of your health.
1. Take charge of your health.
Historically, men have often ignored their health and we’ve paid the price for it. As a new dad, I feel like it’s more important than ever to be proactive. Becoming the champion of your health will empower you to feel good, show up for your loved ones and help prevent diseases like prostate and testicular cancer. Visit Movember.com for more information about diseases that affect men.
2. Commit to annual medical check-ins.
Men under 50 should get a physical at least every three years, while men over 50 should get one every year. Regular doctor’s visits can help screen for chronic illnesses – such as cancer and cardiovascular disease – and your doctor can assess your lifestyle habits so you can avoid complications down the line.
3. Talk to your doctor about checking your PSA.
A simple blood test can lead to an earlier diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Guidelines recommend PSA screening between the ages of 55 and 69. Visit Movember.com for guidance on how to get started and learn more about what to look out for.
4. Create your community.
Find those around you who can support you when life doesn’t go as planned. A strong community can bolster our mental health. ALEC – the Movember® acronym for Ask, Listen, Encourage action, Check in – can help spur conversations about mental health in your community.
5. Eat a wholesome diet that works for you.
A diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and fish has often been shown to be the healthiest for most men. Eating less meat reduces your saturated fat consumption and has been proven to decrease the possibility of cardiovascular disease by up to 16%[1]. Find the right mix of healthy foods you love. [1] EverydayHealth.com, “9 Scientific Benefits of Following a Plant-Based Diet”
6. Don’t smoke!
Cutting down or decreasing how much you smoke is one of the single best things you can do for your health, from my perspective. Make a commitment to quitting.
7. Get out and move!
Develop a physical exercise routine based on your schedule and preferences (I love to bike!). It is recommended that adults exercise for 30 minutes a day, but if that sounds daunting, start with just 10 minutes per day and work up from there. Even increasing the amount of time you spend standing instead of sitting can make a difference!
8. Get your rest.
As a new dad, this is a tough one for me right now, but do your best to get at least 6-8 hours of shut-eye per night to recharge before tackling the next day. Not only will your brain feel refreshed; sleep also helps your whole body stay healthy and ward off infectious diseases like the flu.
9. Respect others.
Healthy masculinity includes respecting our counterparts and working towards equity in gender identity across all orientations. Our collective health is improved when everyone is included.
10. Express yourself through your grooming.
I strongly believe self-expression comes in many forms and starts with your own intake of your body and your values, as well as how you present yourself to the world – something I hope to model for my son for many years. For my grooming needs, I love using Philips Norelco OneBlade. Whether I feel like shaving, trimming, or edging my facial hair, it allows me to get the look that best represents how I want to express myself. The Philips GroomTribe App is a great resource that features 14 unique facial hair looks with with step-by-step directions on how to achieve the style.
