June is the month to bring men’s health to the forefront. It’s a good reminder for men to take steps to get healthy or stay healthy.

This month is a great time to focus on improving men's health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Commonwealth Fund, men are more likely to put off routine checkups or have regular contacts with a physician, a key to preventing and detecting problems. Men, more than women, also tend to delay seeing their health care provider when they do experience a health problem. Plus, they are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, and lead less healthy lifestyles than women.

“Young men are notorious for not going to see a physician, and for not wanting to follow up with any health-care concerns,” says Peter Yellowlees, professor of psychiatry and chief wellness officer for UC Davis Health. “This is possibly partly a ‘macho image’ issue, and partly because they have less immediate reason to see doctors when they are aged 18–40.”

According to Yellowlees, young women tend to visit health-care providers more often than men, mainly for reproductive and women’s health services. Women also are much more likely than men to get into “good self-care habits at an early and influential time of their lives,” he adds.

With that in mind, loved ones and friends can use the month of June—and every month—to inspire men toward healthier choices. Of course, men ultimately must take responsibility for their own health. Redirecting the mindset needed to avoid health-care services could go a long way toward improving men’s health and well-being. Here are five quick reminders to help men do just that:

Get regular check ups

See your doctor or health professional for regular checkups. Routine visits help identify issues early or before they can become a problem. Certain diseases and conditions don’t always have symptoms. Family health history is very helpful to share with your providers.

Eat healthy

A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits and vegetables, which can help protect you from chronic diseases. Whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products, along with lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts can help you avoid those foods and drinks that are filled with calories, sugar, salt and fat.

Get regular physical activity

Adult men need at least 2½ hours of physical activity each week (and not all in one day, you weekend warriors!). Exercise improves blood circulation, which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Moderate exercise helps lower risk factors for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for men in California. Physical activities decrease blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and they can improve blood sugar levels. Being active and staying active helps control weight and improves your mental health and mood.

Reduce stress, address depression

Physical or emotional tension can point to high degrees of stress. Depression is one of the leading causes of disease and injury worldwide for men (and women). Men are less likely to acknowledge it or seek help for it. Sadly, US suicide rates are the highest they've been since World War II. As of 2017, the male suicide rate was more than three times higher than the female rate. Substance abuse is another crucial factor. Seek help when you need it. If you are unsure of where to go for help, ask your health-care provider. You can also find resources online, including the National Institute of Mental Health’s website at www.nimh.nih.gov/FindHelp.

Stop smoking

Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits. It lowers your risk for different types of cancer and many other health problems. By not smoking, you improve your lung power. Better breathing makes that needed exercise and physical activity more enjoyable. UC Davis Health has a great smoking cessation program for patients and employees. Or call the California Smokers’ Helpline at 1-800-NO-BUTTS to talk with an expert about quitting.

June means the start of summer. When it comes to men’s health, let it also be the month that starts a healthier you!