June is Men's Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the health issues that affect men and encourage healthy habits that support long-term well-being.
Throughout the month, RUGGED Mind and Body will be sharing education, resources, and practical tips from established sources to help trades professionals take care of their physical and mental health.
One of the most important ways to protect your health is through preventive care. In the trades, it's easy to put your own health on the back burner. Many health conditions develop slowly and may not cause symptoms right away. Regular checkups and recommended screenings can help catch problems early, when they are often easier to treat.
Don't Wait for Symptoms
Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers can develop silently for years. Routine preventive care helps detect these conditions early, when treatment is often simpler and more effective.*
Preventive care visits may include:
Blood pressure checks
Cholesterol and blood sugar screening
Recommended vaccinations
Discussions about family health history and personal risk factors
Age-appropriate cancer screenings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that routine preventive care can help people stay healthy and catch health concerns early, before they become more serious.
Know Which Screenings Apply to You
Screening recommendations vary based on age, family history, and other risk factors. A few important examples include:
Colorectal cancer screening: The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk begin regular screening at age 45.**
Prostate cancer screening: The CDC recommends that men ages 55 to 69 discuss the potential benefits and risks of screening with their healthcare provider before deciding whether screening is right for them.***
Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks: Regular screenings can help identify common conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which may develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages.****
Talk with your healthcare provider about which screenings are appropriate for you based on your age, health history, and risk factors.
Make Preventive Care Part of Your Routine
Just as vehicles, equipment, and tools require routine maintenance, so does the body. Some practical steps that can help prevent more serious problems later include:*****
Scheduling an annual physical
Staying current on recommended screenings
Knowing your family health history
Preventive care is not about finding something wrong. It is about staying healthy enough to keep doing the work, supporting your family, and maintaining your quality of life for years to come.
Interested in learning more? Connect in two ways to stay informed on trade-focused mental health and wellness content:
Subscribe to PHC News magazine for quarterly print and digital issues
Sign up for the monthly RUGGED Mind and Body e-newsletter
*https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/prevention/preventive-care.html
***https://www.cdc.gov/prostate-cancer/screening/get-screened.html
****https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/prevention/index.html
