We’ve touched on a number of topics over the past few months, but this one is probably overdue. Regardless of your age, your health should be your most important focus. The cliché ‘You only have one body’ could not be truer today. As a 50-something-year-old man, I have been fortunate not to have had many health issues, but others may not have been so lucky. Sometimes knowing what to look for or how others have handled this topic can help answer some initial questions. Let me share some key areas that I believe a Gentlemen should focus on whether he is 20, 40 or 60!
Do you mean a Checkup?
When was the last time you had a checkup? If the answer is senior year in high school for my football physical, we probably need to talk. When we are young, our health is not always at the top of our minds, but if we don’t start good health habits early, we may miss a chance to minimize risk.
What are you doing for your physical activity for your physical and mental health?
Make the appointment. Most insurance plans cover preventative checkups 100%. If you don’t have insurance or great coverage, it’s still an inexpensive way to have them check you out. Make sure the exam includes lungs, eyes, ears, etc. Once you are over 40 expect the prostate to be checked as well. A full blood test will also check things like cholesterol, liver function, red blood cells and the like. All of this is important to monitor over time. Hence the importance of doing this every year.
Colonoscopy. Yep, the dreaded C word. Well one of them. You should get one checked to make sure you don’t have the other. Most men are diagnosed with colon and prostate cancers even more that lung, skin, and others. Take this seriously gents!
Stress Test. Another ‘high on the list’ organs us men need to keep an eye on is our heart. We take it for granted until it starts to give us problems. If you smoke or have a high propensity for heart disease, please stay on this one. Having an EKG (Electrocardiogram) is an excellent way to make sure your ticker keeps ticking! I strongly recommend having a full arterial check done by a company like Lifeline Screening, www.lifelinescreening.com, to make sure you are not at risk for a stroke.
Skin cancer. We live in a very sunny area, and for the most part, that’s wonderful. However, skin cancer has become one of those ‘silent but deadly’ cancers that generally goes undiagnosed. Have any moles or other skin discolorations checked during your annual physical.
Get a workout in. I know, it’s tough. We’re all busy. Taking an hour several days a week to pump iron, run on the treadmill or take a class is tough. Guess what, it’s an investment in your health. We ALL need to make the time, even if you buy a cheap set of weights and workout at home. It’s never too late to start a workout regimen or some other physical activity. It will also help your stress and mental well-being!
Mental health check. Stress is the leading cause of so many other physical issues. Your brain can only handle so much. It needs a break and sometimes some tuning. There is nothing wrong with needing someone to talk to. As I’ve mentioned before, having a Brotherhood can also help address this part.
Sleep. You’ve all heard this from me before, but it bears repeating. Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to your overall health. Challenges like Sleep Apnea are a growing issue not just for men but women too. Turning off your devices, making your room comfortable and allowing 7-8 hours of sleep every night will make a world of difference. Trust me on this one, sleep is your friend!
It all starts today.
To be clear, I’m not a Doctor, Psychologist, or any other licensed medical professional. I am someone who has lived and seen many of my friends around me deal with multiple physical and mental health issues. Some of these are common sense, maybe some aren’t. Having a plan every year to live your best life, keeping positive people around you and as my 6th grade math teacher used to always say, ‘Stop and smell the roses.’ We all have one life. How are you going to live yours?
Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO
Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop
Colin Furcht emphasizes that true leadership involves giving back. Whether through donations or volunteering, Colin believes every effort counts and brings personal fulfillment.
