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Men should see their primary care manager for regular checkups. Checkups can help diagnose issues early, before they become a problem, and sometimes before symptoms appear. (U.S. Navy photo)
NAVAL HOSPITAL JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Prevention is the best medicine. Men can take charge of their personal health by getting health screenings, eating healthy, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, staying injury free, practicing safe sex, drinking in moderation, and being tobacco free.
“Early detection and timely treatment of diseases and injuries ensures a medically ready force and a healthier population,” said Navy Capt. Michael Sullivan, Naval Hospital Jacksonville director for medical services.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top five leading causes of death among men are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke. Heart disease is number one, killing one in every four males in the U.S.
Many of the health issues men face are preventable and treatable.
Men can set a healthy example for kids, family and buddies by getting health screenings. Create a plan (based on age, family history, and personal medical history) with the primary care manager.
Stay on top of your game:
Men should see their primary care manager for regular checkups. Checkups can help diagnose issues early, before they become a problem, and sometimes before symptoms appear. Ask the doctor what screenings are needed and when. Track personal numbers such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body mass index. And get vaccinated; immunizations help maintain health, regardless of age.
Get good sleep:
Insufficient sleep can be associated with a number of conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. One’s sleep needs change with age. Seven to nine hours is ideal for adults.
Toss the tobacco:
More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. Tobacco remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the U. S., killing more than 480,000 Americans each year. It’s never too late to quit. Quitting produces immediate and long-term benefits: quitting lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other illnesses. Avoid second-hand smoke, which can also cause heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke.
Be active:
More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese. Adults should get at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, and muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. Work all major muscle groups including legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms.
Eat healthy:
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, as they are sources of vitamins, minerals and micronutrients that protect against disease. Choose healthy snacks. Limit food and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
Disclaimer: Re-published content may have been edited for length and clarity. Read original post.
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Many service members and their families are gearing up to move this summer. As you organize your house and belongings to prepare for your move, one area of your home you shouldn’t overlook is your medicine cabinet. (U.S. Navy photo)
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Many service members and their families are gearing up to move this summer as peak moving season runs May through August each year. As you organize your house and belongings to prepare for your move, one area of your home you shouldn’t overlook is your medicine cabinet. Now is the perfect time to get rid of items that are expired or no longer needed. With the Military Health System Drug Take Back program, you can safely and easily dispose of unwanted and expired medications at U.S. military pharmacies.
Two options for safe drug disposal
There are two free options for beneficiaries to dispose of their prescription and over-the-counter drugs safely.
- Drop off old or expired drugs in secure collection boxes at military pharmacies. Send them by mail in a special envelope available at the military pharmacy.
- To find out which Drug Tack Back option your pharmacy has, contact your military hospital or clinic.
Accepted and non-accepted drugs
As you go through your medicine cabinet, you’ll want to know what the pharmacy accepts and what they don’t. Accepted drugs through the Drug Take Back program include:
- Prescription and over-the-counter drugs
- Pills, tablets, capsules
- Ointments
- Creams
- Lotions
- Powders
- Liquid medicines (no more than 4 oz.)
For other items you want to toss, dispose of them properly by following other safe disposal options. The Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides guidance for how to dispose of items not accepted through military pharmacies.
Benefits of safe drug disposal
Removing medications from your home helps prevent accidental drug misuse and drug abuse by family members and visitors to your home. More than 60,000 children in the U.S. go to the emergency room every year for accidentally swallowing medications. More than 70 percent of prescription drug abuse involves drugs obtained from a friend or relative. Getting rid of unused drugs keeps them out of the hands of children and others. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides more drug facts.
Another important reason for practicing safe drug disposal is that it reduces the amount of chemicals that can get into the environment. Flushing unused drugs down the toilet may seem like a safe and easy solution, but it’s not encouraged. Unwanted drugs can get into drinking water systems and landfills if not disposed of properly.
Practicing good drug disposal habits benefits you, your family, and your community. If your medicine cabinet is full of expired or unneeded drugs, participate in a Drug Take Back option near you. While moving season is an easy time to do it, you can safely dispose of unwanted drugs year round. For more information on how to safely dispose of drugs through the Drug Take Back program, visit the TRICARE website.
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