Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) is a not-for-profit hospital that provides high quality inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory services for the communities in the tri-state area of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

Men’s Health Month is a time to focus on the prevention measures that every man can take to live an active, rewarding, and longer life. Unfortunately, men outpace women when it comes to dying from things like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and suicide. Men also have unique health issues including prostate cancer and benign prostate enlargement.

The good news is that men can do a lot to take control of their health and wellbeing by adopting a healthy (or healthier) lifestyle. Things like regular exercise and a healthy diet have a powerful impact preventing diseases. And because men are more likely to smoke and drink alcohol, curbing or eliminating these activities is key to improving both your physical and mental outlook.

Men also tend to slack a bit when it comes to getting regular medical check-ups and recommended screenings for things like skin, prostate, and colorectal cancer. If you’re haven’t gotten around to it, take some time this month to choose a primary healthcare provider and commit to regular visits and health screenings.

Men, on average, can use some work when it comes to looking after their health. But you can change that…because who ever said you had to be an average man?