Sun’s Out, Health’s In

Here comes the sun…and all the outdoor activities we can squeeze in before Mother Nature rudely turns it up 20 degrees. It is officially get-out-and-move season: softball, baseball, pickleball, golf…all the balls; and don’t forget hiking, biking, and fishing! With all these activities, it’s important to stay healthy and hydrated. Speaking of health, did you know June is also Men’s Health Month? It’s a great time to focus on wellness and make sure we’re taking care of ourselves.

I know this will surprise most of you, but research suggests that men often avoid the doctor. Regular checkups are crucial to monitor weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels and receive skin cancer checks. Maintaining a healthy diet, not necessarily eating less but making healthier choices when selecting what you put on your plate, can make a big difference. And exercise, this is the big one. The hardest thing for people in general, but men specifically, to understand is that exercise is the 30 minutes you spend doing extra. I have had several conversations with male patients who, when asked if they exercise regularly, would respond with something along the lines of, “I move around all day.” This, my friends, is not exercise. Yes, you have an active lifestyle, but exercise is intentional. It is 30 minutes, 3-5 times per week, of continuous, focused activity that makes your body move in a way that it typically does not. If you do a lot of lifting and carrying items for short distances, you might want to consider 30 minutes of walking, running, or hiking. If you are constantly on your feet, walking several steps per day, you might consider weight training. If you have a job that requires both, flexibility is probably your best bet with yoga, swimming or Pilates (don’t knock it until you try it).

The most important thing you can do for your health is to see your healthcare provider once per year for an annual physical. Here at HCCH, we hold a Health Fair that offers the opportunity to have your labs drawn at a reduced cost. If you missed the Health Fair in May, stay tuned for the next one this fall. Start making a list now of any concerns or questions you may have so you don’t forget to discuss them with your provider. We offer a simple scheduling process at the clinics as well, allowing you to schedule through the patient portal, just choose “annual wellness”, or call the clinic to schedule at 660-425-3154. And, just in case your provider identifies a concern, don’t worry about the inconvenience of excessive travel. Our Outpatient Specialty Clinic hosts several specialists, including urologist, cardiologist, neurologists, and orthopedic surgeons. Now get out there, and enjoy life, and don’t forget that we are here for you!