Adairsville's Dr. Michael Land offers some suggestions
ROME, Ga., JUNE 7, 2025 – Taking charge of your health is essential for living a long, fulfilling life. At Atrium Health Floyd, we are dedicated to empowering men with the knowledge and resources they need to lead healthier, happier lives. Discover how you can take proactive steps toward better health today.
A focus on health is crucial for men to live longer and achieve more. Detecting health issues such as heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders is just the beginning. By adopting healthy habits and getting regular check-ups, men can get more out of life and give more to those who depend on them.
“Men are not always proactive about their health, and tend to put off seeing a physician,'" said Dr. Michael Land with Atrium Health Floyd Primary Care Family Medicine in Adairsville. “As a physician I want to build relationships with my patients so I can better address their specific health needs."
Common health issues for men
Understanding the most prevalent health issues for men is the first step toward proactive and effective health management.
- Cardiovascular health: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is essential for preventing heart disease.
- Mental health: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Unfortunately, stigma often prevents men from seeking help for issues like depression and anxiety. It's vital to encourage open conversations and professional support. How you feel absolutely affects how you are.
- Prostate and testicular health: Regular screenings for prostate and testicular cancer can save lives. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so make sure to schedule those check-ups.
Tips for a healthier lifestyle
Land has a few recommendations to help men maintain overall health:
- Regular check-ups: Don't ignore symptoms or skip annual health check-ups. Regular visits to your health care provider can catch potential issues early.
- Healthy eating: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly improve your health. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar.
- Physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with muscle strengthening activities. Staying active is crucial for overall health.
- Mental well-being: Mental health practices like mindfulness, meditation and seeking professional help when needed can greatly improve your quality of life.
- Sleep hygiene: Quality sleep is essential for overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep routine. Avoid screens before bedtime and create a restful environment.
Be more social
“Men often tend to be less social as they age, especially after they leave the workforce," Land said. “It's important to maintain friendships and find new ones. Volunteering and participating in community events are just a couple of ways you can stay active and find new ways to socialize."
Atrium Health Floyd Primary Care Family Medicine Adairsville is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.
About Atrium Health Floyd
The Atrium Health Floyd family of health care services is a leading medical provider and economic force in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd is part of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Floyd strategically combined with Harbin Clinic in 2024 and employs more than 5,200 teammates who provide care in over 40 medical specialties at four facilities: Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center – a 361-bed full-service, acute care hospital and regional referral center in Rome, Georgia; Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center in Cedartown, Georgia; and Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center in Centre, Alabama; and Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Behavioral Health, also in Rome. Together, Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic provide primary care, specialty care and urgent care throughout northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd also operates a stand-alone emergency department in Chattooga County, the first such facility to be built from the ground-up in Georgia.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. Advocate Health is nationally recognized for its expertise in heart and vascular, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs more than 160,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to redefining care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.