News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz Mark Griffore is seen working out on a machine on Thursday at the Bay Athletic Club in Alpena. According to the DHD4, June is National Men’s Health Month.

ALPENA — June is National Men’s Health Month and medical authorities explain how men can take better care of their health.

According to a District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) press release, the department is partnering with Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance (NMPHA) to celebrate National Men’s Health Month.

DHD4 explains in the press release that the month aims to bring awareness to preventable health and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.The DHD4 states that men should be aware of three aspects of health, which include physical health, mental health, and social connection.

“Helping men understand the benefits of being proactive about their health – being up to date with important screenings, vaccines, and other preventive services to reduce their risk of illness means they are doing what they can to keep themselves healthy, active, and able to fully enjoy time with their friends and families,” Dr. Joshua Meyerson, DHD4 medical director, said in the press release.

According to the DHD4, attending regular checkup appointments with a health care provider are important, as men ages 15 to 65 significantly less likely than women to seek preventive care services. Additionally, men are more likely to report not having a primary care provider (PCP).

If an individual does not already have one, the DHD4 recommends that a good first step on the path toward improved health is to seek out a PCP.

Beyond checkups, the DHD4 asserts that mental health is just as important as physical health. According to the health department, mental health is an important determinant of overall health and quality of life.

Overall, men are more likely to suffer “deaths of despair,” which include alcoholism, overdose, and suicide, according to the press release. DHD4 explains that men are far less likely than women to seek out mental health services.

Jeff Ritzema, R.D., C.N.S.C, a registered dietitian at MyMichigan Medical Center Alma, explained that men tend to neglect preventative care, including nutrition. MyMichigan Medical Center Alma is a branch within the MyMichigan Health medical system, which includes MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

“We know that there’s a variety of factors out there that really affect our general health,” Ritzema said. “Sleep, mental health, exercise, preventative care … food nutrition is obviously extremely important,as well.”

Ritzema said he often consults with patients who have acute medical problems, however, many of his patients also deal with a variety of chronic illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes.

“I’m just looking at ways that we can prevent those as long as possible,” Ritzema said, adding that men must take care of their cardiovascular health. “That’s true in general for men and women. Diabetes is a big one.”

According to Ritzema, 95% of men are falling short of recommended daily fiber intake of 30 to 40 grams a day. He said eating more fruits and vegetables can remedy these shortfalls and improve an individual’s nutrition.

Ritzema also explained that the men he consults for nutrition education sometimes have a tendency to deflect personal responsibility for their nutrition to spouses who may do the majority of grocery shopping, or say that their occupation prevents them from a healthy diet.

“I don’t want to sound like I’m negative … but (men) don’t have a great grasp of how nutrition affects your life,” Ritzema said. “They don’t really cook for themselves. They don’t really think about that all that often.”

Overall, Ritzema said that everyone, men and women, can improve their nutrition by planning ahead. For example, Ritzema suggested packing more fruits and vegetables for work, and packing things that don’t always require refrigeration, but can instead stay in a cooler or lunch pail.

“A lot of people will say, ‘It’s tough because I’m busy at my job. I don’t have a lot of time for a break or for lunch,” Ritzema said. “It’s really just coming up with a plan to create a goal. Branch out of what you are used to eating or what you grew up eating. Try new foods, try them in new ways — cooked, grilled, broiled, steamed — anything like that.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.