With the arrival of spring, many people turn their attention to cleaning out garages, refreshing the lawn, and tackling chores left undone over the winter. But while you check off tasks around the house, you might overlook your most important maintenance project: your personal health.
For men — who statistically visit the doctor less frequently than women — spring provides an ideal opportunity to hit the reset button. The changing season serves as a natural checkpoint to reassess daily habits, schedule missed medical appointments, and get back in motion.
Dr. David Hansen, a board-certified physician at Foxhall Internists, encourages men to take this opportunity to check in on their physical and mental health.
“Spring is an excellent opportunity to reassess and streamline your wellness routine, just as you would when deep cleaning your home,” Hansen says. “By implementing small, manageable changes now, you can lay the foundation for lasting health improvements and experience significant long-term benefits.”
You don’t need a drastic lifestyle overhaul. Instead, try these practical steps to help spring-clean your health.
Audit the medicine cabinet
A true health refresh can start in the bathroom. Over the past year, your medicine cabinet might have accumulated half-used bottles of cough syrup, expired pain relievers, and outdated prescriptions.
Begin by removing everything from the shelves and discarding expired medications. You can dispose of them safely by participating in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Scheduled for Saturday, April 25, the event offers an environmentally responsible way to ditch unused or expired medicines. Visit the Take Back Day website to find a collection site near you and help keep your home and community safe.
After clearing out expired items, take inventory of what remains. Make sure you have an adequate supply of current prescriptions and request refills as needed. Using a weekly pill organizer can help you stay on schedule and avoid missed doses.
Consult your calendar
Many men delay seeing a doctor until illness forces their hand. But preventive care is crucial for long-term health.
Review your calendar. Have you missed an annual physical, blood pressure check, or cholesterol test? If it’s been more than a year since your last visit, call your primary care provider to schedule an appointment.
Depending on your age and family history, you may be due for specific health screenings. Prostate exams, colonoscopies, and skin checks are vital—and can save lives.
“Catching issues early is the best way to stay healthy,” Hansen stresses. Preventive screenings allow doctors to identify and treat potential problems before they become serious.
Move the workout outdoors
Winter weather often leads to sedentary habits. Now, with warmer days on the way, it’s a great time to get outside.
You don’t have to sign up for a marathon to see real benefits. A brisk walk each day can improve your fitness, strengthen your heart, and elevate your mood. Sunlight also provides vitamin D, which supports bone health and immune function.
If you have a gym routine, consider replacing one indoor workout a week with an outdoor activity. Riding a bike, hiking, or even vigorous yard work can get your heart pumping while breaking up the monotony of the treadmill.
Prioritize mental health
Physical fitness is only part of the equation. Refreshing your health also means taking care of your mind. Work deadlines, financial stress, and family responsibilities can weigh heavily on men, and they often internalize these pressures rather than seek help.
Set aside a few minutes each day to relax. Try deep breathing exercises before work, read on the porch after dinner, or simply sit in the sun for 10 minutes. Brief periods of reflection can lower cortisol and ease anxiety.
If stress becomes overwhelming, consider reaching out to a professional. Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health—and therapy can provide valuable coping tools.
