Men’s Health Month and Beyond: Five Simple Ways to Take Charge of Your Health

By Dr. Stacy Olliff, MD, MPH, Transcarent Clinic

Let’s be honest: Most guys aren’t lining up to talk about their health.  

Whether it’s fatigue, stress or something more personal, a lot of us figure we’ll power through it and deal with it later. Even when something feels off, we’re sometimes inclined to push it to the back burner and hope it sorts itself out. 

Yet, when it comes to your health, simply hoping isn’t a good strategy, and Men’s Health Month is a perfect time to hit that pause button and take time to ask yourself: "How am I really doing?"

Now, maybe you’re feeling good and want to stay that way. Maybe you’re trying to build better habits. Maybe you know it’s time to check in, but aren’t sure where to begin. Wherever you are in your health journey, this is your moment to make some solid forward progress. 

So where do you start? As a family medicine physician at the Transcarent Clinic, I  take a holistic and comprehensive approach to care and strive to connect with our Members in meaningful ways that help improve the full spectrum of their physical and mental health. Here are my top five practical, no-nonsense ways to move things in the right direction.

1. Take the First Step—Literally 

You don’t need a gym membership to start moving more.

One of the simplest and most effective things you can do is get your steps in. A short walk—10 minutes, two or three times a day—is enough to improve your energy, mood, and cardiovascular health.  

In fact, a study shows that a half-hour’s worth of walking five days a week can cut your risk of coronary heart disease by nearly 20%. That half-hour doesn’t even have to come all at once. Morning walks. Quick breaks. Taking the dog outside. Even pacing during a phone call. It all counts. 

It’s not about perfection. It’s about consistency. Regular movement adds up fast, and you’ll feel the difference. The goal isn’t to crush a workout; it’s to build a habit, and the easiest way to do that is to start small and keep showing up. 

2. Gut Check: Don’t Overlook Your Digestive Health

Gut health isn’t just about digestion. It impacts the whole body.

According to the latest research, gut health is connected to your weight, energy, immunity, and even your mental health. More than 80% of your body’s serotonin, a key mood regulator, is produced in the gut. It’s exciting that we’re learning more and more every day about the deep connection between the gut, the brain, and the nervous system. That means what’s going on down there can go a long way toward how you feel up top. 

Improving your gut health starts with food: it can be beneficial to look for antibiotic-free meats, non-GMO produce, and fewer additives overall. A high-quality probiotic can also help, but not all supplements are created equal. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before grabbing something off the shelf. 

Good gut health takes time, but the benefits reach far beyond digestion. 

3. Talk About What You’re Not Talking About 

Fatigue. Low libido. Anxiety. Even a shorter fuse than usual.  

There’s often a lot of stigma associated with issues like these, especially among men. But they’re common, and you’re not the only one dealing with them. Symptoms like these can often be signs of conditions like low testosterone—something more men are becoming more comfortable talking about than ever before. 

The truth is, it’s not weak to talk, ask questions, or seek help. It’s human. And opening up—even a little—is one of the best things you can do for yourself. 

Telehealth can make that easier. A quick chat or even a text-based back-and-forth with a Transcarent clinician can take the pressure off, reduce perceived stigma, and create space to ask questions and share concerns. It’s an easy to connect to a clinician who’s trained to listen and help. 

Whether it’s a text to a virtual provider or an in-person checkup, starting the conversation is a strength, not a setback. 

4. Getting Screened = Power 

It’s easy to avoid the doctor when you feel fine, but catching things early gives you more options, better outcomes, and fewer regrets. 

Think of it as maintenance, not repair. A quick check-in today can save you a bigger problem down the road. Unsure what to prioritize? Ask. Your clinician can help you understand what screenings are right for your age, lifestyle, and family history. Your future self will be glad you took the time. 

5. Strength in (Knowing Your) Numbers 

Things like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol aren’t just stats; they’re key indicators of how your body’s doing.  

High blood pressure, for example, can have no symptoms but can be one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues. Same goes for high cholesterol or elevated A1C. Left unchecked, they can quietly cause long-term damage. 

Knowing your numbers gives you and your provider a clear picture. With easy access to an expert, compassionate clinician, you can make a personalized plan, adjust as needed, and track progress over time - whether through lifestyle changes, medication, or both. Being aware of your baseline helps you stay in control. After all, you can’t manage what you don’t measure. 

• • • 

Men’s Health Month is a terrific checkpoint, but it shouldn’t be the only one. 

Use it as a springboard to get more active, more consistent, more informed, and more engaged with managing your health. 

It doesn’t have to be dramatic. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. A few smart, manageable choices can put (or keep) you on a better path—and help you stay there.