How can men stay healthy as they get older?

It starts with simple things like a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and limiting alcohol intake to less than 2 drinks per day. A healthy diet should include at least 3 servings of fruits and vegetables per day and limited fatty and processed foods. A healthy diet also includes sources of vitamin D and calcium. Maintaining a healthy weight for your size is important (you can determine your healthy weight by using an online BMI calculator). You should see your doctor once per year for regular checkups.

Here are ways to stay healthy as you get older:

• If you don't have a doctor, get one today. Never be without a primary care physician, says Keith Roach, MD, chief medical officer of RealAge. You're more likely to ignore problems if you don’t have someone you can call.
• Listen to your spouse. "Wives do a good job of getting reluctant men to the doctor," says David Katz, MD, director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine. If you won't do it for yourself, do it for your partner or your kids. You owe it to them to be a role model. "Imagine your child not getting care when he needs it," Katz says.
• Prepare for your doctor appointment. Showing up is half the battle, but it doesn't guarantee a victory.
• Follow your doctor's instructions. Just as you wouldn't ignore your accountant's advice, you should heed your physician's. The sooner you quit smoking, get your weight down to normal, start exercising, and incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet, the better you’re going to feel.

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Since heart disease, specific cancers, and stroke are the top three leading causes of death among American males, what men may be eating, or unfortunately, not eating enough of, may be detrimental to their long-term health. A nutrient-rich diet and a healthy lifestyle are the best combination for males to eat to beat these diseases. Parents with young boys please take note: When it comes to making healthy dietary changes to prevent these diseases, the earlier the changes are made, the better.