Don’t Wait to Feel Worse: A Smarter Strategy for Men’s Health

June is Men’s Health Month, and if you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to stay in great shape for the long run, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about what really matters for men’s health – not just now, but 10, 20, even 30 years from now.

It’s easy to focus on the day-to-day and assume everything is fine unless something feels “off.” But real health isn’t just about how you feel right now. It’s about how well your body is functioning under the hood, even before symptoms show up. In other words: the best men’s health strategy is prevention.

Why Men Skip the Doctor and Why That Needs to Change

Studies show that men are far less likely than women to go to the doctor regularly. Many only go when something is obviously wrong. But by the time symptoms appear, you may have missed the opportunity to catch an issue early when it’s easiest to treat or reverse. The good news? With a few targeted habits and regular testing, you can reduce your risk of chronic disease and increase your chances of living longer, stronger, and better.

💬 A note for women reading this: If there’s a man in your life — a partner, father, brother, son, or friend — this post is for you, too. Sharing what you learn or simply encouraging a checkup can make a real difference in their long-term health.

4 Tips for Men’s Health

1. Get Your Labs Done 

Blood work is one of the most effective tools for tracking your health over time. Some of the key biomarkers to pay attention to include:

• Testosterone: Total and free testosterone can decline gradually starting in your 30s. Low levels are linked with low energy, mood changes, loss of muscle, and even increased risk of chronic disease. But high testosterone can also create risks — balance is key.
• LDL Cholesterol and ApoB: These help assess your cardiovascular risk. LDL cholesterol isn’t the whole story — markers like ApoB give a clearer picture of how many particles are actually damaging your arteries.
• Fasting Glucose & HbA1c: Early blood sugar dysfunction often goes unnoticed, but it’s a major risk factor for metabolic disorders, heart disease, cognitive decline, and weight gain. 
• High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP): This inflammatory marker offers a snapshot of systemic stress on the body — and elevated levels have been linked to higher risk of heart disease and cancer.

These tests are simple, actionable, and can give you a clear baseline to improve upon year after year.

2. Prioritize Metabolic and Hormonal Health

Your metabolism and hormones provide a foundation for how you feel, function, and age. These habits help keep things running at their best:

• Lift weights 2–3x per week:
  Supports testosterone, builds and preserves muscle (which improves insulin sensitivity), and helps lower inflammation over time.
• Walk daily, especially after meals:
  Even a 10-minute walk after eating can reduce blood sugar spikes, improve insulin response, and support steady energy and weight management.
• Eat protein- and fiber-rich meals:
  Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, while fiber helps feed beneficial gut bacteria. 
• Cut back on ultra-processed foods, alcohol, and poor-quality fats:
  Things like packaged snacks, fast food, processed meats, and alcoholic beverages can spike inflammation, disrupt hormones, and throw off cholesterol and liver function. Instead, reach for whole foods like olive oil, avocado, wild-caught fish, grass-fed meats, nuts and seeds, and colorful veggies, and always drink plenty of water.
• Prioritize 7–8 hours of sleep:
  Sleep is when your body repairs itself and produces critical hormones. Even one bad night can temporarily spike fasting glucose and worsen mood, memory, and recovery.

3. Think About Supplements Strategically

While not a replacement for lifestyle, the right supplements can support men’s health and aging in meaningful ways:

• Omega-3s: Support cardiovascular health and brain function
• Vitamin D: Important for muscle maintenance, immune function, and bone health
• Magnesium: Aids muscle recovery, sleep, blood pressure, and mood
• NAC: Helps with liver detox and glutathione production — which plays a key role in protecting cells from aging and oxidative stress

Supplement needs vary, so it’s always smart to test first and personalize based on your biomarkers and health goals.

4. Health Beyond the Physical

Longevity isn’t just about muscles and markers — it’s also about how you live:

• Build and maintain strong social connections
• Find outlets for stress (physical, mental, and emotional)
• Create time for purpose and play
• Don’t skip your health screenings — colonoscopies, PSA tests, and skin checks as you age

Final Takeaway: Don’t Wait

Men’s Health Month is the perfect reminder to stop playing defense and start playing offense when it comes to your health. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 70s, it’s never too early – or too late – to optimize your health for the long haul. Make this the month you take action. A few simple steps now can lead to decades of better health.

 

Click here to learn more about Keyspan and how they can help you get healthy and stay healthy!