Take action to be healthy and safe and encourage men and boys in your life to make their health a priority. Men, here are some ways to jump start your health in recognition of Men's Health Month:

Get Good Sleep

Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep. Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Also, poor sleep is responsible for motor vehicle and machinery-related accidents.

• Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
• Find out about Sleep Tests at the Sleep Diagnostic Center

Toss out the Tobacco

It’s never too late to quit. Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits. It improves your health and lowers your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses.

Also avoid secondhand smoke. Inhaling other people's smoke causes health problems similar to those that smokers have. Babies and kids are still growing, so the poisons in secondhand smoke hurt them more than adults.

• Healthy Communities tobacco cessation
• Protecting Our Children from Secondhand Smoke
• Tips from Former Smokers

Move More

Adults need at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, and muscle strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) on two or more days a week. You don't have to do it all at once. Spread your activity out during the week, and break it into smaller amounts of time during the day.

Learn more about exercise opportunities through our Wellness program.

Eat Healthy

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables have many vitamins and minerals that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.

• Nutrition for Everyone
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Eat Less Salt - What You Can Do

Find healthy recipes and more on the WellConnect Classes page.

Tame Stress

Sometimes stress can be good. However, it can be harmful when it is severe enough to make you feel overwhelmed and out of control. Take care of yourself. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Find support. Connect socially. Stay active.

• Managing Stress
• Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks to Men's Health

Stay on Top of Your Game

See your doctor or nurse for checkups. Certain diseases and conditions may not have symptoms, so checkups help identify issues early or before they can become a problem. If you don't already have a primary care physician, find one that meets your needs at CRH.org.

• Get the Preventive Medical Tests You Need
• Men: Stay Healthy at Any Age (AHRQ)

Keep track of your numbers for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), or any others you may have. If your numbers are high or low, your doctor or nurse can explain what they mean and suggest how you can get them to a healthier range. Be sure to ask him or her what tests you need and how often you need them.

• High Blood Pressure
• Checking Your Blood Glucose
• Cholesterol
• BMI

Get vaccinated. Everyone needs immunizations to stay healthy, no matter how old you are. Even if you had vaccines as a child, immunity can fade with time. Vaccine recommendations are based on a variety of factors, including age, overall health, and your medical history.

• Vaccine Information for Adults
• Adolescent and Adult Vaccine Quiz
• Vaccine Finder