MEN'S HEALTH & WELLNESS


Men's health is important not only to men but also to their families - mothers, wives and children. Men die from the top ten causes of death at a much higher rate than women yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control, women are 100% more likely to have annual exams and preventative services than are men. High Plains is the local provider of choice for all things regarding men's health from prevention to treatment and everything between. We are here to serve you 6 days per week and weeknights so you don't have to miss work to keep your appointments. Don't worry if you do not have insurance; we can connect you with affordable and/or FREE services.

Your health is subject to risk factors such as age, family history, and personal habits. While the risk factors of age and family history are beyond your control, you can take steps to change your personal habits in the interest of preventive health. The following are some specific steps that you can take to prevent disease or injury:


Strive to maintain ideal body weight.


Stick to a healthy diet
In deciding what foods to eat, you should consider health risk factors and the presence of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Generally, a diet should be low in salt and fat. It should be high in fiber with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables. Grill! don't fry.

Take time to exercise
Exercise is a preventive measure for almost any significant health problem. Generally, thirty to forty minutes of a sustained exercise activity, three to five days per week is the goal for most adults. An exercise program should start slowly and gradually build up to this level. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate exercise program for you. Ask your Health Coach about a voucher to work out at the Lamar Community Building or Lamar Community College.


Keep socially and intellectually engaged.


Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol consumption should be limited to no more than 2 ounces of liquor or 24 ounces of beer daily.

Practice safe sex
Using condoms can help prevent sexually transmitted infections. Also, men share an equal responsibility with their female partners in making decisions concerning family planning and preventing unplanned pregnancies.

Avoid tobacco
The negative health effects related to tobacco are well-known and well-publicized. Being tobacco-free is a major goal in all preventive health programs. If you are ready to quit or just thinking about it, your provider team is ready to help you.


Get checked.


Get your physical and regular checkups
As important as it is for you to take charge of your own health, you can't do it all. Getting regular checkups and age-appropriate screenings is a proven way to improve health and reduce chronic disease, premature death and disability. High Plains providers offer low cost cash labs at every location, all year.

Have regular eye and dental examinations
Regular eye exams are one of the best ways to protect your vision. Dental exams are important for the health of teeth and gums. In addition, many health conditions that affect the entire body generate warning signs that can appear in and around your mouth.


Be safety-conscious


Wear your seat belt
You should wear a seat belt whenever you are in a motor vehicle, including when in a work or recreational vehicle. Injury and death from auto accidents are common causes of disability and death in adults.

Use Safety Equipment
Wear helmets when biking or riding motorcycles and ATV's. Wear reflective clothing when running in the dark. Think about the safety aspects of all of the other activities that you enjoy - hunting, boating, team sports.

Wear hearing protection
Excessive noise exposure is the most common cause of hearing loss.

Wear sunscreen
Remember to use sunscreen when in the sun for prolonged periods of time. Also the use of sunscreen, wearing hats and long sleeves can reduce the risk of skin cancer.

June is National Men's Health Month