At a glance
• Why Prioritizing Your Health Is One of The Smartest Decisions to Make |
Men tend to approach healthcare differently than women. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality — an organization within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “men are 24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year.”
But here's something to consider: prioritizing your health can help you show up stronger for the people and goals that matter most to you.
1. Health Isn't a Luxury — It's a Responsibility
Think of health as an investment, not an expense. When you prioritize your well-being, you're not just caring for yourself — you're ensuring you can be present for your family, excel in your career, and pursue your passions with energy and vitality.
Ignoring symptoms or skipping checkups isn't stoicism — it's unnecessary risk. According to a 2019 Cleveland Clinic survey of approximately 1,174 U.S. males 18 years or older, the findings were concerning:
Some more concerning tidbits from these findings:
- "72 percent of men would rather do household chores, like cleaning the bathroom or mowing the lawn, than go to the doctor"
- "77 percent of men who are married or in a domestic partnership would rather go shopping with their wife or significant other than go to the doctor"
- "Only half (50 percent) of men surveyed said that they consider getting their annual check-up a regular part of taking care of themselves"
- "41 percent of men were told as children that men don't complain about health issues"
- "20 percent of men admit they have not been completely honest with their doctor before," citing reasons like embarrassment, refusal to change diet/lifestyle, and not being prepared to face a diagnosis even when they know something is wrong.
The shift from reactive to proactive care starts with reframing health as a core part of your identity and daily discipline. Just as you maintain your car to prevent breakdowns, regular health maintenance helps keep your body running smoothly for the long haul.
Your "why" might be wanting to walk your daughter down the aisle, keeping up with your kids on the playground, or aging with strength and independence. Whatever motivates you, use it as fuel to make health a non-negotiable priority.
2. Mental Well-being Matters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, "mental health is closely linked to physical health." The CDC also notes that “mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health.”
So, how do you know when your mental well-being might need attention?
The American Psychiatric Association lists several warning signs that may indicate mental well-being needs attention, including "rapid or dramatic shifts in emotions," "recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed," "problems with concentration, memory or logical thought," and "difficulty performing familiar tasks."
Building a mental health toolkit doesn't require hours of therapy or meditation (though those can be valuable). Simple strategies include:
- Taking Deep Breaths During Stressful Moments
- Going For Walks to Clear Your Head
- Writing Down Thoughts That Are Cycling Through Your Mind
- Talking To a Trusted Friend About What's on Your Plate
There's real strength in vulnerability and asking for support when you need it.
Try This: Take a one-minute check-in with yourself. How are you feeling right now? What is your energy level? What do you need most today?
3. Muscle Mass Is More Than Vanity — It's Vital
While building muscle might seem like a purely aesthetic goal, maintaining muscle mass is important for longevity, mobility, and overall health. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA) — a second organization within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "muscle mass and strength increase steadily from birth and reach their peak at around 30 to 35 years of age. After that, muscle power and performance decline slowly and linearly at first, and then faster after age 65 for women and 70 for men."
However, the NIA notes that "such average decline of strength and power with aging can be substantially slowed down by maintaining an active lifestyle" and that "it's possible for many older adults to increase muscle strength with exercise, which can help maintain mobility and independence into later life."
The good news? You don't need to become a bodybuilder. The NIA recommends that "older adults should try to get strength training in the mix one to two times per week." Focus on compound movements that work multiple muscle groups — bodyweight exercises like squats and push-ups, resistance bands, or simple dumbbell routines are all on the table.
4. Testosterone Decline: Know the Signs, Stay in Balance
The National Institutes of Health notes that testosterone affects far more than just libido. According to NIH research, "in men, it's thought to regulate sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm."
Like muscle, testosterone begins to decline with age. According to MedlinePlus, "beginning around age 30 to 40, testosterone levels may start to slowly decrease." Signs of low testosterone can include “low sex drive,” “sleep problems such as insomnia,” “decrease in muscle size and strength,” “bone loss,” “increase in body fat,” and “trouble concentrating.”
While testosterone replacement therapy is one option, many men can support healthy testosterone levels naturally. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, key factors in optimizing male hormones include: "maintain ideal body weight," "exercise," "sleep well," "avoid tobacco products," "avoid excessive alcohol," and "avoid excessive stress."
If symptoms persist and significantly impact your quality of life, consider getting tested. A simple blood test can provide valuable information about your hormone levels and help guide appropriate interventions.
5. Preventive Care Can Save Lives — Don't Skip It
Early detection can serve as a defense against diseases and other serious health conditions. Regular checkups aren't just for when something's wrong — they're how you keep things right.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force provides evidence-based recommendations for key health screenings that vary by age and risk factors. Some important areas of focus include regular physical exams, blood pressure checks, cholesterol monitoring, and blood glucose testing.
Don't forget about dental care, vision checks, and hearing assessments — these all impact your daily well-being and quality of life.
Remember: these tips are general suggestions. Always consult a medical professional for personalized medical advice.
Strength Starts with Self-Care
The numbers tell a concerning story about preventive care. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, “The proportion of adults who received appropriate evidence-based, clinical preventive services was very low” prior to 2020 – just 6.9 percent of adults in 2018. As of 2020, that number is down to 5.3%, via Healthy People 2030 — a government-backed, data-driven national objective to improve health and well-being over the next decade.
All of this to say: taking care of yourself doesn't make you less of a man — it makes you a better one. Prioritizing your health is how you show up stronger for the people who depend on you and the goals that drive you.
True strength includes the wisdom to maintain your body and mind proactively rather than waiting for problems to force your hand. Whether it's booking that overdue appointment, starting a simple strength training routine, or taking time for a mindful walk, small steps compound into significant changes over time.
Your health is your foundation for everything else you want to accomplish. Invest in it accordingly.
References
https://ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/healthy-men/index.html
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000722.htm
https://odphp.health.gov/news/202208/ounce-prevention-can-save-persons-life
https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/index.html
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/how-can-strength-training-build-healthier-bodies-we-age
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/understanding-how-testosterone-affects-men
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness
https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/docs/Improving-Low-Testosterone-Naturally.pdf
