The facts:

Heart Disease, Cancer, and unintentional injuries are the leading causes of death among men in the U.S. according to the CDC website.

19% of men under the age of 65 do not have medical insurance.

33% of men 20 years of age and older are considered obese.

31% of men 20 years of age and older have hypertension.

12% of men 18 years of age and over are in fair or poor health.

(Data retrieved from CDC Website.)

It makes sense to talk about healthy activities that inspire change in some of these trends during Men’s Health Month.

I asked some of my male colleagues what they do to stay healthy:

• Yousef said, “I find that staying physically active boosts my mental health. After working out or playing sports, I’m in an overall better mood and tend to be more relaxed.” He adds, “I believe a healthy man has some sort of release to attribute to a portion of his good health: sports, work, intimacy, hobbies…the more you have, the better you are.”

• Alex said, “I take few vitamin supplements and I started going to the gym at least three times per week. I also get together with my friends at least 2-3 times per week to clear my head and for the laughs.”

• Carlos shared a cute story about his son who forgot to wash his hands after coming in contact with poison ivy. “Then he went to the bathroom,” Carlos said. “Hand washing is real important to him and to me now!”

No matter if it’s something as simple as hand washing (one of the most effective ways to decrease infection) or as disciplined as a regular exercise regimen, there are endless activities one can do to achieve better health.

Make an appointment for a general physical if you haven’t seen your doctor in a while. (If  you don’t have insurance, seek out free or community clinics. Know your options.) Learn to meditate to decrease stress. Take a walk a couple of times per week. Be social. Laugh with your friends. Just do it! Be healthy!

It was enlightening to hear from colleagues about their thoughts on health, especially since most of our conversations revolve mostly around work processes and tech-related themes. (Thank you, Carlos, Alex and Yousef!)

As the month of June continues please consider talking to your male friends, colleagues and family members about the importance of healthy choices. Ask them what they do to stay healthy. Encourage them, support them, join them.

Visit the Men’s Health Month for general information.

Check out the CDC website  for more info on Men’s Health.

What will you do to celebrate Men’s Health Month? What actions are you taking to improve your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health?