Cedars-Sinai Blog
Man to Man: Top Tips for Men’s Health
There are no shortcuts to optimal health, but there are some quick and simple starting points for achieving it.
For Men’s Health Month, we asked some of our top experts for their No. 1 health tip for men.
Action and attitude: Keep ahead of cancers
“Men need to understand and embrace the importance of their role in their families, their workplace and society at large. As such, they truly must take charge of their health. They should meet regularly with a physician to screen and address active health issues. Prevention and early diagnosis remain the best ways for men to stay ahead of the issues that will injure them and their loved ones—conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, among others."
“Furthermore, men must shed the idea that detection of a health condition is a sign of weakness or infirmity. As men, we need to shed feelings of shame or insecurity in undergoing screening. These things should be done to honor and respect those that we love and serve as fathers, brothers, uncles and providers.”
“The one piece of advice I like to give is to avoid simple sugars. There are no health benefits to long-term intake of simple sugars. Regardless of your thoughts on the best diet (such as plant-based, keto or Mediterranean)—all of them recommend limiting simple sugars. By doing so, many people can lose weight and feel better. While we don’t have all the data yet to prove this, I strongly believe such advice can improve overall health for men (and women).”
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death for both men and women. Smoking accounts for up to 90% of lung cancers. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to mitigate those risks and to improve your health. You don’t have to do it alone. Your doctor can refer you to programs that are science-based and can help.”
Tips for strong bones and joints
“Stop running! The discs in your spine and the cartilage in your weight-bearing joints don’t like it. Bike riding is best!”
“For bone health, it’s important to maintain strength and flexibility, and to keep weight down. Regular non-impact exercise that includes a combination of stretching, cardio and muscle-building—along with a healthy diet—will minimize pain and inflammation associated with the joints and prevent progression of arthritis.”
“Men can be stubborn and prefer to tough it out instead of seeing their doctor when symptoms develop. Listen to your body and seek medical attention if you’re not feeling well—before it becomes a full-blown emergency.”
Stave off emergencies
“Men can be stubborn and prefer to tough it out instead of seeing their doctor when symptoms develop. Listen to your body and seek medical attention if you’re not feeling well—before it becomes a full-blown emergency.”
Health priorities from primary care and cardiology
“It is important to do regular exercise to promote good cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity (such as resistance or weights) on at least two days per week.”
In CS Magazines: Live Longer, Age Stronger
“Try to make every plate of food as colorful as possible. The more colorful and fresher your food, the lower your long-term cardiovascular risk will be.”
"I think the number one thing facing men regarding their health is the anxiety and stigma related to discussing it and showing vulnerability to a stranger. I believe men often delay talking about personal or intimate issues that are affecting their life until they’re having significant symptoms. We need to do a better job of assuring men that it’s OK to discuss their personal health, mental health, family health and symptoms with another individual. If we can facilitate this, it can improve participation in preventive screenings and give men appropriate care they may have been putting off.”
