November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, a special time to encourage men to focus on their health. It’s a chance to get screened and talk openly about medical concerns that often get ignored.
The message resonates deeply for former WIS anchor Len Kiese. In 2024, at just 45, Kiese experienced a massive heart attack. This life-changing event forced him to rethink how he lived and cared for himself.
“It was the scariest moment of my life,” Kiese recalled. He had sharp chest pains and, after searching online, found every symptom matched what he was feeling.
For years, Kiese worked in broadcast journalism, waking before dawn and juggling tight deadlines. He believes that lifestyle contributed to his heart attack. “Those years in television news really took a toll on my health,” he said. Doctors later told him that stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy habits had caught up with him over time.
Post-heart attack, Kiese learned to slow down. “I had to really examine my life,” he said. Now, he doesn’t stress over things that don’t affect his family. Instead, he focuses on what’s important.
Today, Kiese prioritizes exercise, nutritious eating, and good rest. He maintains a workout routine and monitors his sodium and sugar intake but allows himself some treats on weekends. “Moderation, not deprivation,” he emphasizes, has helped him stick to his new lifestyle.
Since leaving TV, Kiese now works in communications, aiming to inspire other men to prioritize their health. “You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first,” he advises.
Dr. Cedrek McFadden, a men’s health physician at Prisma Health, shares that Kiese’s story reflects a worrying trend. Heart issues are appearing more frequently in younger men. “Heart problems that show up at 60 or 70 often start in your 20s, 30s, or 40s due to diet, stress, and lifestyle,” he explains.
McFadden encourages men to see their doctors sooner rather than waiting for a crisis. “Be proactive about your health. Don’t wait until something goes wrong,” he advises.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S., according to the CDC, claiming about one in every four male lives in South Carolina.
As Men’s Health Awareness Month continues, Kiese hopes his journey sheds light on the importance of health. Prioritizing well-being is not just wise; it can be life-saving.
For more insights on men’s health, you can check resources like the CDC or the American Heart Association for valuable information.
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