National Men’s Health Month is observed in June, the same month as Father’s Day. The purpose of this month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage the men in our lives to take action in maintaining their health and safety. This initiative is led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is supported nationally by businesses, organizations, and individuals who want to share the importance of regular health checkups and seeking early treatment for disease or injury.
8 Ways Men Can Improve Their Health Each Day
Men are encouraged to take the following steps in order to improve their health each day: i
- Get a good amount of quality sleep
- Terminate the use of tobacco and avoid secondhand smoke
- Engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily and limit intake of foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol
- Manage stress
- See your doctor regularly for checkups
- Pay attention to signs and symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, and problems with urination
- Keep track of your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI)
During National Men’s Health Month everyone is asked to make their health a priority, to raise awareness for preventable health issues, and to encourage early discovery and treatment of diseases among men. Not every disease and condition presents physical symptoms, which means they can go unnoticed without regular, preventative checkups. A prime example of this among men is varicoceles.
What is a Varicocele?
A varicocele is the development of a varicose vein or veins in the scrotum, similar to those varicose veins found in the legs. Scrotal veins contain one-way valves that force blood to flow from the testicles and scrotum back to the heart. When these valves fail, blood pools and enlarges the veins around the testicle in the scrotum resulting in a varicocele. This may cause:
- Pain
- Scrotal swelling
- Male infertility
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, the first step is to recognize the symptoms, then, with the help of your doctor, confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment option for you. Fortunately, there are safe and effective treatment options available today, including a minimally invasive procedure called varicocele embolization.
Sources:
i https://www.cdc.gov/men/nmhw/
