Men’s Health Month: A Wellness Guide for Men Receiving Biologic Treatments
June is Men’s Health Month, a time to focus on your well-being and closely examine how you care for your body, mind, and spirit.
If you’re one of the many men living with a chronic condition like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or another autoimmune disorder, and you’re receiving biologic therapy, now is the perfect time to re-commit to your health from the inside out.
Biologic treatments are powerful tools that can help reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and improve your quality of life. But they’re just one part of the picture.
To get the most out of your treatment and feel your best, it’s important to take a holistic approach to your wellness. Here’s your practical guide to thriving, not just surviving, while living with a chronic condition.
1. Nutrition: Fueling Your Body for Healing
What you eat significantly affects how you feel daily and how your body responds to treatment.
Follow your doctor’s dietary recommendations, which may focus on anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, whole grains, berries, fatty fish, nuts, and olive oil. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and red meat, which can increase inflammation.
Hydration is equally important. Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily, especially if taking medications that may impact your kidneys or liver.
Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about supplements; some men benefit from vitamin D, omega-3s, or probiotics, depending on their diagnosis and medication.
2. Exercise: Move Your Body, Ease Your Symptoms
Regular movement helps manage joint pain, improves lung function, reduces fatigue, and boosts mood. If you’re not sure where to start, begin with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, yoga, or cycling. Just 20–30 minutes of movement a few times a week can make a big difference.
Listen to your body. Some days, pushing through a workout might not be the right call, and that’s okay. But on other days, getting up and moving may help ease stiffness, reduce stress, and give you a sense of accomplishment.
3. Mental Health: Your Mind Matters Too
Living with a chronic illness can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Feeling frustrated, isolated, or anxious about the future is common.
Don’t bottle it up. Whether talking with a therapist, joining a support group, journaling, or opening up to a friend, give yourself permission to process your emotions.
Prioritize activities that restore you, like spending time in nature, hobbies, laughter, or spiritual practices. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, please know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
4. Sleep: Rest Is Part of Recovery
During sleep, your body repairs and rebuilds, which is especially crucial when managing an autoimmune or inflammatory condition.
Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. Sometimes, medications or the disease itself can interfere with your sleep patterns, so if you struggle with insomnia, talk to your doctor.
Tips for better rest:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
- Limit screens an hour before bed.
- Keep your room cool and dark.
- Avoid caffeine late in the day.
5. Routine Screenings: Stay Ahead of the Curve
Men often skip check-ups until something feels wrong. However, with chronic disease and the medications that treat it, early detection of other health concerns is key.
Schedule routine blood work, monitor your liver and kidney function, check your blood pressure and cholesterol, and stay up to date with cancer screenings based on your age and risk factors.
If you’re on long-term biologic therapy, your doctor may also want to monitor you for infections, TB exposure, or changes in immune response.
Don’t ignore your annual wellness visit; it’s not just a formality; it’s a safety net.
Take Charge of Your Health, One Step at a Time
Being on a biologic treatment means you’ve already taken a big step toward managing your health. So give yourself a pat on the back this Men’s Health Month and take it further by incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine.
Remember, a well-rounded approach to wellness is not about being perfect. It’s about being present, proactive, and kind to yourself.
Your body is working hard. Support it with good food, mindful movement, mental clarity, solid rest, and regular check-ins. And remember, you are never alone in this journey. You matter, your health matters, and your future is worth investing in.
