Nine tips for Men's Health
Many of the major health risks that men face can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, and a healthy lifestyle can start with one small choice.
Let’s face it, men are often hesitant to talk about their health concerns or visit the doctor. That needs to change. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men die at higher rates than women from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, influenza/pneumonia, kidney disease, accidents, and suicides. Early detection and treatment can improve your odds of surviving illnesses.
Many of the major health risks that men face can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, and a healthy lifestyle can start with one small choice. Make your first one today! Here are nine tips to get you started:
Move. Men need at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, each week. Moderate activities include brisk walking and mowing the lawn. You should still be able to have a conversation while doing these activities, but not quite hold an extended musical note of your favorite song. Vigorous activities include running, swimming laps, singles tennis, bicycling at least 10 mph, or jumping rope. Add strength and resistance training exercises (body weight or gravity alone is fine) at least twice a week, and include all major muscle groups, doing one set of 10 repetitions per exercise.
Say no to tobacco. Quitting smoking improves your health and lowers your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illness. Avoid secondhand smoke. Don’t vape, chew tobacco, or use other tobacco products. They all increase your risk of cancer.
Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Christopher W. Bunt, M.D.
Control stress. Stress is part of life. Focus on taking care of yourself. Talk to friends and loved ones. Let them know how you're feeling and how they can help. Don’t use drugs or alcohol in an attempt to deal with your stress. They create more problems than they solve.
Eat better. Reduce your consumption of processed and packaged foods. Stick to shopping for what’s on the outside aisles of the grocery store. Pick one dietary indiscretion – something you don't need to eat -- and cut back. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Instead of beef, try fish, chicken, turkey, or pork.
Drink water. Increase your water intake when you are more physically active in hot or cold climates, running a fever, or have diarrhea or are vomiting. If your urine is clear, you're appropriately hydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle throughout the day and sip from it regularly. Refill it when empty. When eating out, substitute water with a wedge of lemon or lime for a sugar-sweetened beverage.
Get plenty of sleep. Sleep hygiene is crucial. Go to bed and get up around the same time every day. Sleep in a cool, quiet, dark place. Don’t watch TV or use your phone in bed. Aim for seven or eight hours of sleep per night.
Prevention first. Cancer screening tests can spot disease early, when it's easier to treat. And immunizations can prevent many illnesses from impacting you at all. If you have any concerns, visit your doctor before they become major issues.
Nurture positive relationships. Be present with your loved ones. Stop staring at electronic screens and live in the moment with those around you. Help others. Be kind. Smile and laugh more. Complain less.
Use mindfulness. Consider activities that allow for self-reflection. Mindfulness apps can help start you on this process. Meditation, yoga, and other “centering” activities can further expand your mind. At the end of your day, reflect about something you learned and how you can use that to improve your tomorrow.
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