News

Men, you and your health go hand in hand. As a reminder to make sure you are living a healthy life, Palmetto Health is offering tips to help you protect your health and well-being.

Cecelia M. Baskett, M.D., family medicine physician at Lakeview Family Medicine, said, “Unfortunately, I see men who have neglected their health and now have advanced stage of disease because they did not come in to be screened. It is beneficial to everyone’s health to see a family medicine or internist every few years at a minimum. Many times we can help you prevent long-term negative effects on your lifestyle if you come in.”

Baskett provides a few areas that men should concentrate on:

• Get screened. Screenings can help detect early signs of diseases or other risk factors. Here are some important screenings for men:
  • Prostate: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States. Prostate exams should start at age 55 and be repeated every four years.
  • Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol can start in men as early as in their 20s and can lead to heart disease which is another major killer of men in the United States. Men should have their cholesterol checked every five years starting at the age of 35. If you smoke or if high cholesterol runs in your family, then you should start at 20.
  • Colon: According to new recommendations, starting at 50, men should be checked every 10 years via a colonoscopy.
• Find a primary care doctor and see your doctor regularly.
  • ​Doctors are able to provide yearly physical exams to make sure everything is healthy.
  • They also can help you with setting up your screenings by referring you to other specialized doctors when it is time.
• Exercise.
  • Exercise is important to your overall health and proven to relieve stress.
  • It is recommended that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week to boost your strength, endurance and to help your body resist diseases such as heart disease.
  • Switch up your routine! It is important to make sure you’re strengthening yourself in every aspect. Try a yoga, cycling or other class to vary your routine. Yoga helps build your stabilizer muscles which helps increase joint health.
• Eat red meat the right way. Though red meat has been under scrutiny, you don’t have to throw it away just yet. Here is why:
  • Red meat is loaded with protein, vitamin B and zinc.
  • Just as with any food, red meat should be eaten in moderation. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends eating no more than 18 ounces of red meat per week.
  • Make your plate more colorful by adding lots of vegetables to smaller portions of meat.
• Reduce stress: enjoy yourself! Too often we get so caught up in our everyday routine that we don’t take time to sit and enjoy ourselves. Stress is detrimental to your health so taking a few minutes to enjoy yourself has many benefits. 
  • Appreciate the little things. 
  • Get some rest.
  • Listen to your favorite song on the way home from work.
  • Tell those you love that you love them.