Five Men’s Health Tips for Independence

By Scott D. Miller, MD, MBA

Hot dogs, hamburgers, and fireworks are almost as synonymous with Independence Day as the colors red, white, and blue. Just as our forefathers have laid the groundwork for our country, how you manage your health now will set the stage for your quality of life in your later years.

Here are five tips for men to remain independent:

1. Move for strength and flexibility
Bending down to tie your shoes. Walking a flight of stairs. These are activities that you take for granted when you’re young. Worse yet, men are typically less flexible than women. Try to incorporate squatting, climbing, and jumping into your exercise routine.

2. Reduce stress
Chronic exposure to high levels of cortisol (the primary stress hormone) can accelerate aging. Moderate exercise, consistent sleep, and good time management will move the needle in the right direction.

3. Boost your testosterone
Testosterone declines with age. Before visiting your local pharmacy, you can enhance your body’s own production with moderate weightlifting, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and making a good night’s sleep a priority.

4. Make a new friend
Connecting with others will help you keep your mind sharp.

5. Learn new skills
Your brain also needs exercise. Breaking some of your routines early in life will help you cope with challenges as you age. Making these small efforts now will pay dividends in your golden years. In the words of Neil Armstrong, “I guess we all like to be recognized not for one piece of fireworks but for the ledger of our daily work.” Look for my article, “Men’s Health Spotlight: Shining a Light Where the Sun Don’t Shine,” in the next issue.

Scott D. Miller, MD, MBA, is Wellstar’s Medical Director of Urology and of Robotic Surgery. He has practiced in Atlanta for over 20 years and sees patients at Wellstar Urology in Roswell, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital and Wellstar Avalon Health Park. Wellstar North Fulton Hospital offers the Know Your Heart Screening that can determine your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. Call 770-956-STAR (7827) to learn more or schedule an appointment.