Mihaela Vincze

According to a Cleveland Clinic survey, only half of the 1,174 adult men surveyed said they get regular checkups, and 72 percent would rather do household chores than go see a health care provider. Since it has been proven that health checkups are vital for longevity, why are men so hesitant to visit the doctor?

It’s no secret that more people today are feeling lonely and isolated than ever before, and it’s time we talk about it. A survey by Transamerica Institute suggests that individuals who report they feel isolated and lonely may be neglecting their health, as only 29% are avoiding harmful substances, 30% are getting routine physicals and recommended health screenings, and 24% are seeking mental health support when needed.

Grief and loss are difficult experiences that will affect all of us during some point in our lives. Dealing with grief is a difficult process, and everyone copes in their own way. Grief can disrupt daily life, making it difficult to focus on loved ones, work, and other responsibilities.

Stress is a natural response to a trigger or a difficult situation. However, not managing stress, by taking care of ourselves, or practicing “self-care”, can lead to issues with our mental and physical health. For instance, 44% of people who are not managing stress report often feeling anxious and depressed, according to a survey by Transamerica Institute1.

Managing stress is essential for maintaining good physical, mental, and emotional health. However, fewer than half (41%) of people reported that they are managing their stress on a consistent basis, according to a survey by Transamerica Institute1.1 “23rd Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey,” nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies (TCRS), 2022. TCRS is an operating division of Transamerica Institute.

Volunteering can help individuals make a positive impact on the world and the lives of others. According to a survey conducted by nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, one in four workers (24 percent) dream of spending their retirement doing volunteer work. Volunteering is not only a rewarding way to give back to our communities, but it can also benefit our health, especially as we age.

Medicaid is an invaluable social safety net that provides health care coverage and services for millions of lower income Americans. However, only one in five have a “great deal” of knowledge about it, according to a survey by Transamerica Institute1.

For most of history, many cultures honor the sun, praising it for providing people with good health and life. Back then, sunbathing was often prescribed to promote health and treat many illnesses, such as skin ailments and tuberculosis. It turns out that sunlight may be the remedy our ancestors thought it was—for both body and mind.

Preventative health care is one of the most critical routines to develop for long-term health, but many of us put routine health screenings on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, 38% of women passed on routine check-ups and tests during the height of the pandemic, according to a 2021 Kaiser Family Foundation survey.

Taking good care of your heart – exercising, eating healthy, and getting regular checkups – are, of course, essential for good health and for your heart. However, there is a lot of research on actionable practices you can start today to not only help your heart health but also prevent other chronic diseases from arising.