Men’s Health Month is commemorated each June and is dedicated to encouraging men to learn and prioritize their overall health and wellbeing. To stress the importance of Men’s Health Month, we sat with a few professionals who work for various service providers the Center for Health & Wellbeing to hear their take on how men can prioritize their overall health and wellness.  

First, we talked with Dr. Trevor Owens, a family medicine physician in the AdventHealth Family Medicine practice at the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Dr Owens shared his tips on preventive care and the importance of mental health during Men’s Health Month.  

CHWB: What are five preventative measures that men can take to prioritize health and wellbeing? 

Dr. Owens: Five preventive measures that prioritize health and wellbeing are,  

1. Developing a healthy lifestyle starts with food intake. We really are (or become) what we eat in the sense that our body is influenced by the nutrients or lack of nutrients we receive.  Natural and whole foods such as fruits and vegetables have the most beneficial nutrients as opposed to processed, artificial foods. 

2. Exercise. 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week with resistance exercise at least twice weekly is enough to make one feel more energetic.  

3. Having a night routine can improve your quality of sleep. Suppose you have a regular bedtime schedule in a cool, dark room with ambient noise, and eliminate distractions including your phone. It can improve your mood and sleep quality and have other positive impacts on overall health.  

4. Maintaining healthy relationships with close friends and family is another way for men to prioritize health and wellbeing. Offering people help and having a support group instills purpose and meaning in your everyday life. 

5. Eliminate harmful substances such as smoking and vaping and limit alcohol intake to less than two drinks per day, assuming drinking is a daily habit. Less is better. 

CHWB: We mostly think about health in the physical sense (fitness, for example), but how important is mental health to the overall health of men? 

Dr. Owens: Mental health is just as important as physical health.  The body is interconnected by its cells, tissues, organs, systems, mind, and spirit. We become healthier by first deciding to be healthier in our minds.  An optimistic attitude towards improving ourselves is imperative at the start. It is only too late to start living a more fruitful life if the heart stops beating permanently.  Managing stress has become more difficult in our daily lives. There is an increasing epidemic of anxiety and depression. I encourage patients to be open to speaking with a therapist in addition to taking medication.  One does not need to wait until a crisis to speak with a professional who is trained to help one reflect on what is causing current, unsettling conflict. In addition, anchoring oneself when feeling little is in their control is helpful, this can include prayer, meditation, deep breathing, and going for walks.  

Trevor Hicks, Senior Director of Clinical Integration at the Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF) coordinates the wellTogether program, a community health initiative of WPHF that is hosted at CHWB. The program focuses on helping participants live a healthier, happier lifestyle through a focus on Fitness, Behavior Change, and Nutrition, and how those pillars work symbiotically towards whole-person health. We asked Trevor why and how he encourages participants to join the program and be active participants if they are feeling hesitant. 

Trevor Hicks: I encourage patients from the very first meeting or interaction we have, whether that be the initial call or when meeting them in person for the first time at the Information Session we hold in person. I discuss their journey, encourage them to share their motivation and expectations for a program like this and then I utilize the information they have given me to personalize why I think they are a strong candidate for the program. A lot of people share that their concern is one area or pillar more than another, so I give them feedback on positive changes previous participants have seen. I also explain to them that we will meet them where they are in their journey, hold their hand, and begin to make small but meaningful changes in their daily behaviors that will lead to long-term health and wellbeing. 

wellTogether is designed for people who are at risk for or managing diabetes or cardiovascular conditions, or for people who are interested in taking a proactive approach to future health challenges. wellTogether offers a clinically integrated approach to sustainable, long-term health improvement through a focus on three Pillars, Fitness, Behavior Change, and Nutrition. To learn more about the wellTogether program, and to register for an upcoming information session, contact Trevor Hicks, HERE. 

Patrick Faulk, Center Director at Crosby Wellness Center, often leads seminars and panel discussions related to health and wellness. We asked Patrick to talk about how he encourages men to take the initiative in prioritizing their wellbeing related to fitness and stress management.  

Patrick Faulk: When leading and facilitating talks, I encourage men to prioritize their health by highlighting the long-term benefits of fitness and stress management, such as improved mental clarity, enhanced physical performance, and increased longevity. I share relatable success stories and practical tips about forming healthy habits and setting achievable goals that can be easily integrated into their daily routines. Additionally, I emphasize that they are not alone in their health concerns, and many others feel the same way, underscoring the importance of staying active for their wellbeing and long-term whole person health. 

Men, your health matters. Find the care, programs, fitness classes, and nutrition education you need to kickstart your health journey when you visit the Center for Health & Wellbeing and participate in our world-class amenities and services. Prioritize your health & wellbeing during a Community Education program at CHWB HERE.  

Dr. Trevor Owens, MD, Family Medicine Physician at the AdventHealth Family Medicine Practice inside the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Trevor Owens, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician. After graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, Dr. Owens went on to earn a medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. Dr. Owens is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and has a passion for providing whole-person health to every patient. To learn more about the AdventHealth Family Medicine Practice, and Dr. Owens, click HERE.

Trevor Hicks, DPT, is the Senior Director of Clinical Integration at the Winter Park Health Foundation. Trevor is a proud UCF alum and holds two degrees from UCF, a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Trevor practiced Physical Therapy for more than nine years before joining the WPHF.

Patrick Faulk is the Center Director at Crosby Wellness Center inside the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Prior to joining the team, he spent 13 years with AdventHealth’s Institute for Lifestyle Medicine in Celebration, FL. Starting as a Personal Trainer and Member Services Representative, Patrick advanced to Senior Manager of Clinical and Retail Operations, overseeing the Wellness Center, Executive Health Program, and Lifestyle Clinic. A lifelong resident of Central Florida, Patrick is an advocate for whole-person health and enjoys golfing in his spare time.