What do you call cheese that isn't yours? Nacho cheese.
Get your groans ready – Father’s Day is June 19 and the dad jokes are sure to fly. First up is Men’s Health Week, June 13-19. National Men’s Health Month is celebrated all of June, but there’s a special emphasis the whole week leading up to Father’s Day. This national observance raises awareness of preventable health problems and encourages early detection and treatment of disease.
Men, are you on a journey to better health? Here are some road markers for that journey, for the men who want to protect their health and the women who want to encourage them:
- Make prevention a priority
- Eat heart healthy
- Be physically active
- Control your weight
- Quit smoking
Sure, you’ll have to do the heavy lifting. But you can start with simple steps, and the State Health Plan can help!
Make prevention a priority. Many health conditions can be prevented or detected early with regular checkups. Regular screenings may include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, prostate health and more. For those on the 70/30 and 80/20 PPO Plans, benefits include a routine physical once a year, in network, covered at 100% if filed as a preventive service.
Be aware that heart disease is a leading cause of death in men. Know the major signs and symptoms of a heart attack. If you are having any of these symptoms seek medical attention and don’t delay being evaluated by a medical provider. Always call 911 immediately if you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack. Symptoms include:
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
- Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder
- Shortness of breath
Eat healthy and include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet each day. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Limit or avoid foods that are high in calories, sugar, salt and fat.
Get moving! Physical activity can help control your weight, reduce your risk of heart disease and some cancers, and improve your mental health. You can also check out the Plan’s new Behavioral Health Resource Center.
Quit smoking. Smoking has been linked to cancer, heart disease, stroke and increases the risk of sexual dysfunction. For those on the 70/30 and 80/20 PPO Plans, tobacco cessation support is covered as part of your preventive benefits. Tobacco cessation counseling is available at a CVS MinuteClinic and certain Primary Care Provider offices.
In addition, you can visit the State Health Plan website for more health and wellness resources.
Take these steps to help ensure you’re around for many more Father’s Days – and dad jokes too. So when does a joke become a “dad joke?” When it becomes apparent.
Love you, Dad!