5 Tips to Keep the Men in Your Life Healthy

The month of June is recognized as Men’s Health Month and urges folks to spread awareness on the health conditions that can challenge a male’s wellbeing.

Statistically, men die five years younger than women and die at higher rates from nine of the top 10 causes of death — heart disease, cancer, diabetes — just to name a few. It’s critical that men (of all ages) recognize potential health risks and start taking precautions early on.

Keep reading for tips on how to keep your husband, brother, dad, and all the male-figures in your life healthy.

1. Encourage a routine screen.
Routine screenings should be on everyone’s list of things-to-do when it comes to staying healthy. Seeing a healthcare provider routinely can help prevent future complications and also treat any health concerns if diagnosed early enough. For men, routine screenings can include a checkup on cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and a PSA to check for prostate cancer risks.

2. Stay active.
It’s well-known that regular exercise is beneficial for your physical health and your mental wellbeing. Motivate the men in your life to exercise or be active for roughly thirty minutes each day (consult with your health care provider on what’s best for you). Physical activity can range from hitting the gym, a quick basketball game, or a brief walk after dinner. Routine exercise can help with regulating weight and cholesterol among other benefits.

3. Keep stress levels down.
High-stress levels are bad news for anyone. Stress can play a role in deteriorating one’s physical health and mental health. Stress can also lead to a lack of sleep, unhealthy eating, headaches, and can exacerbate health problems. When your guy is stressed, suggest that he step away from work for a bit and take a walk. Exercise can help alleviate stress and can be a refresher in times of tension. If he’s had a difficult day at work, suggest a night in watching movies and ordering take-out. Planning ahead will help take away some of the pressure of deciding what to do that day/evening.

4. Eat healthy to stay healthy.
Encourage and incorporate healthy foods into his diet. Explain that foods high in fiber and nutrients will make him feel better and can help keep health complications at bay. Suggest cooking a new meal full of greens and protein together. Preparing a new recipe can sometimes feel like an adventure with the end result of a healthy, delicious meal shared together.

5. Say ‘No’ to tobacco.
Tobacco habits can be hard to kick. But, tobacco use often leads to some serious and fatal medical conditions, including lung cancer, COPD, and other diseases. According to the CDC, estimates show smoking increases the risk of men developing lung cancer by 25 times. Strongly encourage any male in your life who is addicted to tobacco to put down the cigarettes, snuff, etc.

The men in your life are important to you. Consider passing these tips onto them to show that you care about their health and wellbeing.

With that said, Southern Local Wellness Center will be hosting a Men’s Health Day event, where men can be screened for a number of labs. The screenings will take place from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on June 29, 2020, at the Southern Local Wellness Center, located at 906 Elm Street in Racine, Ohio.