Five ways to take hold of your health during National Men’s Health Month

As one of many U.S. health initiatives over the course of the year, National Men’s Health Month takes place June. It’s celebrated all over the country with free health screenings, fairs, classes and other forms of outreach. Whether you feel young and invincible or middle aged and actively on top of your overall health, National Men’s Health Week could give you pause to reassess and see how you can be the best version of yourself.

Anytime is a good time to take stock of your food, activity and lifestyle choices, as well as the positive changes you can make in the future that could add up to improved quality of life and maybe even a longer lifespan.

If you’re tired of hearing the same old lectures about your health from loved ones during those upcoming Father’s Day gatherings, here are a few ways that you can make some lasting changes for the future:

Kick tobacco to the curb

Whether you’re a regular smoker or enjoy the occasional cigar, the immediate and long-term benefits of quitting will help you avoid many life-threatening conditions. Additionally, secondhand smoke can also be damaging to your loved ones. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), smoking cessation products like nicotine patches and gums are covered by your tax-free funds and can give you the drive to end your habit for good.

Increase your physical activity

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need at least 2.5 hours of moderate intensity activity each week. If you’re falling short of that number, consider joining a gym, joining a recreational sports league or simply making the time to get outside for regular walks or hikes with loved ones. FSA eligible products like hot and cold packs and elastic bandages can help deal with any lingering soreness and get you back into action.

Schedule a physical

An annual physical is a must for men at any age, but it has significant importance in middle age as risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol levels and risk of diabetes looms larger. After all, some conditions do not have noticeable warning signs and will require consultations and testing with a doctor to reveal whether they are present. Best of all: physicals are covered by your Flexible Spending Account.

Attend a health seminar

Does your family have a history of a specific illness, or have you begun to showcase risk factors for an ailment? National Men’s Health Week is the perfect time to attend a health seminar or fair to learn more about what positive steps you can take to foster improved wellness year-round.

Eat healthier

There’s no easier way to stave off weight gain, chronic diseases and dramatically improve your overall health than by taking a closer look at what’s on your plate three times a day. Make a commitment to eat more fruits, vegetables and natural foods, as well as diversifying your diet with a wide range of foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Doing this in tandem with a major cut in salt, sugar, fat, calories and alcohol can help your realize lasting results that will have you looking and feeling better than you ever imagined!