Men’s Health Month: Keep the Dads in Your Life Healthy

In celebration of Men’s Health Month, let’s give a big shout-out to all the fathers, grandfathers, husbands, brothers, and father figures in our lives! It’s time to prioritize the health of dads and keep them healthy.

While we all know that we celebrate Father’s Day this month, it’s also important to recognize that June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. This presents the perfect opportunity to consider that the best gift we can give to fathers is good health.

The purpose of this observance is to raise awareness about men’s health and encourage men of all ages to work together with their families in adopting a healthier lifestyle that includes regular exercise and healthy eating habits.

One of the reasons men are now living longer is due to increased efforts in raising awareness about healthcare. Unfortunately, many men are hesitant to talk about or acknowledge their health problems, primarily due to social stigma. Men have been made to feel ashamed for being sick, and as a result, they often neglect to get regular checkups.

Regular checkups are essential for both men and women, as they help in the early detection of the leading causes of death in America, including cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, kidney disease, diabetes, chronic liver disease, influenza and pneumonia.

Men’s health has made significant progress in the last few decades, with increased life expectancy and improved diagnostic tests and treatments. However, there is still more that can be done.

That’s why the staff at Physicians Premier is dedicated to helping fathers live longer and healthier lives. While we are committed to saving lives for those who visit our facilities, prevention is always the best medicine. So, we encourage you to follow our helpful tips to improve your health and the health of the exceptional men in your life.

Protect Your Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men in the U.S. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fortify and enhance your heart’s function, and the most important one is through your diet. By improving your eating habits, you can keep your heart healthy. You don’t have to give up all your favorite foods, but it’s important to reduce your consumption of saturated fat, lower your sodium intake, and incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet. When eating your meals, remember that fruits and vegetables should make up half of your plate.

Stay Active

A common belief among men is that exercise must consist of intense workouts with heavy weights. Although we don’t discourage that form of training, it is not essential for overall health. Simply dedicating 30 minutes to moderate exercise each day can significantly contribute to a longer and higher quality of life as you grow older.

Be Proactive

Consider the way you prioritize the upkeep of your car. You understand the significance of preventive maintenance, and because of this, you consistently replace brake pads, rotate the tires, and change the oil, right? Now, apply the same principle to your own well-being. Instead of waiting until you’re unwell to seek medical attention, take a proactive approach and look after yourself. Regular checkups with your doctor can detect minor issues before they escalate into major concerns.

Talk About It

Life can have its overwhelming moments, and it’s important to remember that being a man doesn’t require you to be brave and tough at all times. The emotional strain we experience can have a detrimental impact on our well-being, potentially shortening our lives. Hence, seeking assistance is not only acceptable but necessary. Don’t hesitate to open up to your partner, confide in a friend, or seek the guidance of a therapist who can aid you in addressing your emotional challenges.

This Men’s Health Month, let’s encourage the men in our lives to stay on top of their health and wellbeing!

Sources:

“Men and Heart Disease,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/men.htm
“Exercising more than recommended could lengthen life, study suggests,” Harvard School of Public Health, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/exercising-more-than-recommended-could-lengthen-life-study-suggests/
“Men’s Health Checks,” Centre for Health Protection, https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/80002.html