You can do many things to live long, active lives. But, in general, men dont pay enough attention to their health until something goes wrong. 

  June 9-13 is Mens Health Week a good time for men to take stock of their health and make needed changes. Its the most important action plan a person can ever make.

  Many men dont want to get annual examinations because they fear the doctor will find something wrong with them, said Memphis internal medicine physician Thomas Meriwether, M.D.

  Men have a sense of indestructibility, Meriwether said. They feel they have to go out and slay the dragon and bring home the kill to feed their family. They dont pay attention to their bodies the way that women do.

  Men should have annual physical examinations, unless told otherwise by their physician, Dr. Meriwether said.

  But men, dont rely solely on your physician to keep you healthy. You must take responsibility for your health, too. Men and women should work as partners with their doctors.

  The Centers for Disease Control has put together Things Men Should Do to Stay Healthy recommendations to help people improve and maintain good health. For more information about these topics, other good online sources to consult are Baptist Online, the National Library of Medicine and the American Dietetic Association.

1. Eat a nutritious diet. It can be hard to know what makes up a healthy diet these days when fad diets compete with reliable nutrition information in the media. Consult your doctor or a dietitian to help guide you towards healthful nutrition. Seek out reliable information. The sources provided above are a good place to start. 
2. Maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. It increases a persons risk for many chronic diseases. If you are overweight, learn why it is important to lose weight and how you may go about doing that. Consult your doctor before starting a weight loss plan.
3. Get regular exercise. Experts recommend 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise (that which increases your heart rate) at least 3-4 days a week in addition to weight-bearing exercises. Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.
4. Be smoke free. Smoking causes cancer, emphysema, and many other life-threatening diseases. The American Lung Association has good information about stopping smoking.
5. Get screenings. See your doctor regularly. Examinations should include:
   • Blood pressure
   • Cholesterol test
   • Blood glucose
   • Complete blood count with differential
   • Blood chemistry test
   • Thyroid-stimulating hormone test
   • Colon examination
   • Prostate screening test
   • Skin examination
   • Urinalysis
   • Sexually transmitted disease screening test
   • Height and weight measurement
   • Evaluation of exercise habits
6. Get appropriate immunizations. They are not just for kids; adults need them, too. Some are recommended if you work in certain jobs, have certain lifestyles, travel to certain places, or have certain conditions.
7. Manage stress. Stress is another topic men should discuss with their physicians. It can be a cause of many life-threatening illnesses. 
8. High stress situations cause an increase in adrenaline and cortisone-like substances in the blood a fight or flight reaction. If that continues on a sustained level, it can take a toll on the body, causing the blood pressure and heart rate to increase. That can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, Dr. Meriwether said. 
9. Be safe: protect yourself. Use seat belts, sunscreen, and helmets. Drive safely; dont succumb to road rage. If you are around firearms, learn to use them correctly and safely. Unintentional accidents and suicide are among the top 10 causes of death in men, according to the National Vital Statistics System.
10. Be good to yourself. Get enough sleep. Spend time relaxing. Take time for yourself. Strike a balance between work, home, and play.

  And perhaps most importantly, keep informed about your health, things that can harm your health and steps you can take to improve your health.

  Go to your doctor informed, know your family health history, take responsibility for your health and make the changes you need to live a better life.