You might be familiar with 'No Shave November'- you know- that time of year when men try to go an entire month without shaving. While it may be tough to look past the scruffy beards, the tradition actually has great meaning.

What started as a way to normalize conversations regarding cancer awareness among men, 'No Shave November' has morphed into National Men's Health Awareness Month - a movement to improve the health of men.

I,like too many other men, avoided regularly scheduled check-ups, as well as healthy lifestyle habits, until I had a heart attack in 2019.It was directly linked to my nearly 50 years of cigarette smoking. I honestly thought I was going to die. It was at that time that I made a promise to God and myself that if I lived, I would quit smoking and start taking my health seriously. I'm pleased to say I'm still smoke-free today.

I'll be the first to say that quitting smoking was one of the most challenging things I've done in my life. But I know that quitting sooner – or even better, never even starting to smoke cigarettes – could have prevented my heart attack. It also amazes me that, like so many other men, I was reluctant to visit a doctor to seek preventative screenings or timely medical care.

Men are socialized to believe that acknowledging pain or seeking help is a sign of weakness. We're bombarded by messages of "shake it off"and "take it like a man." These messages are internalized and seem to reinforce avoiding doctors, when in fact the reverse is true. Being a real man includes protecting your health so that your life is extended and you're available to support those you love.

That's why I'm writing today, to encourage other men to take charge of their health and make lifestyle changes that will contribute to living long and prosperous lives.

Here are a few things menof all ages can do to take charge of their health:

• Visit your primary care physician (PCP) for a physical – including having your height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and skin cancer screenings.

• Visit a dentist every six months for a cleaning and routine exam, and

• Get regular eye exams, especially if you wear glasses or contacts, or if you have any vision concerns.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that you begin to have blood sugar tested regularly in your 20s to ensure you're not prediabetic or at risk for type 2 diabetes.

You should also begin to have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years in your 20s. If your blood pressure is higher than 120/80, you should have it checked more often.

Then, once you turn 40, you should have your cholesterol and other blood lipids checked regularly to make sure they're in a healthy range.

This message is especially important for men of color who can be at higher risk for things like heart disease, colon cancer and high blood pressure.

In addition, another preventative measure we can all take is to receive and stay up-to-date on ALL vaccinations – including the COVID-19 vaccination and boosters. While these vaccinations can't always prevent you from contracting or spreading an illness – like COVID-19 or the flu – vaccines are proven to reduce the risk of severe illness and death.

This November do more than grow your beard. Have a conversation, or better yet, make that appointment with your PCP that you've been putting off.

The ball is in your court. What are you going to do with it?

Thomas Stallworth is director of the Michigan Coronavirus Taskforce on Racial Disparities, and a former State of Michiganlegislator.