In observance of National Men’s Health Month, we want to discuss some ways men can take better care of themselves and improve their health. Not taking care of oneself can affect your physical, emotional, and mental health. The following measures will prepare, improve, and condition you so you can achieve better overall health and set you up for a happy, healthy life!
Visit a Doctor
Visiting your doctor at least once a year and conducting a physical. Having regular checkups will tell you what needs to be worked on and can reveal any underlying issues. It is important to do this even if you feel fine, a yearly check up will look at your vitals and how your overall health is doing.
Exercise
Start exercising and strengthen your heart. This doesn’t need to be a rigorous workout, simply going for a 20 minute walk and getting your heart rate up will improve your heart health. Even adding just 2 hours a week of exercise can improve your blood pressure, heart health, and increase your lifespan. Studies show that exercising regularly can add up to 6.9 additional years to a man’s lifespan (Reimer, et al., 2012).
Change Your Diet
Once you’ve figured out your goals and know what needs to be worked on, it’s time to adjust your diet and cater it to your specific needs. Speak to your doctor about what foods you need to cut from your diet and what should be added. Mix in more vegetables, drink more water, and cut back on the fast food!
Practice Good Hygiene
Poor hygiene skills such as not washing your hands or brushing your teeth at least twice a day can lead to gum disease, heart disease, and can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (Guzaitis Dental, 2023). Practicing good hygiene skills helps your body and mind be the healthiest possible version of themselves!
Rest
What may be the most important of all, allowing your body to rest gives it time to recharge and reset. Mental and physical fatigue can lead to a variety of health issues. Have a do nothing day and give yourself time to breathe and have a peaceful, relaxing day. Don’t worry about household chores, they can wait.
Educate Yourself
Learning more about all of these methods will better prepare you to make the changes necessary. Read men’s health journals, healthy recipes, workout regimens, and other health based articles to educate yourself on the basics and begin your new lifestyle!
Use Men’s health month as a reason to take control of your wellbeing. Hopefully this article gives you the motivation to begin your journey and start a new future with a healthier you!