Last month we celebrated Father’s Day. For children, it was a day to show appreciation for their fathers and father-figures. For adults, it was day to show much love and appreciate the hard work of the fathers and husbands in their lives. Now that the celebration is over it is time to prioritize men’s health. Believe it or not, men are likely to live five years less than women. Plus, men are 100 percent less likely to go see a doctor when needed.
Jogging workout. Joyful black man in modern wireless headphones running on treadmill at gym, looking at free space. Motivated african american guy in black sportswear spending time at gym, jogging
Here are six tips to make your health a priority.
#1 Make Health a Top Priority
You may think your invincible or that we have such a good medical system that any health issue can be addressed with a pill or surgery. However, you forget that mental health is just as important as physical health. Making your health a priority isn’t selfish — it’s selfless. Because the healthier you are, the healthier and more engaged you’ll be with your family, friends and career.
#2 See Your Doctor
Everyone should see a doctor regularly. Men come in with a variety of excuses for not going to the doctor sooner. With Telehealth, you can get a consultation with a doctor without stepping foot in an office.
#3 Refrain From Bad Health Habits
Smoking, drinking excess alcohol, engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors and poor communication can lead to health problems. Future complications from smoking can include not only cancer but erectile dysfunction. Heavy drinking can lower testosterone levels and increase estrogen levels. Men often struggle with communication when they have problems. This is why it’s important to start communicating better with key individuals like your partner, best friend or doctor.
#4 Get Moving
The American Heart Association is one of several health organizations that recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Most people get a smartwatch and walk their 10,000 steps a day and think it’s enough. While it is good, you still have to engage in activity that gets your heart-rate up. When you get your heart pumping, your muscles and other parts of your body also will get stronger.
#5 Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Most people start dieting by focusing on restricting calories. Most of the time, they aren’t eating enough. When you limit your nutrient intake, your body starts going into starvation mode. Instead, take in more of the right calories, and you’ll be stronger and healthier. What’s more, your body won’t feel deprived. If you’re not sure where to begin, Remember, dieting is not starving — it’s smart eating, so focus on making the right food choices.
#6 Get Enough Sleep
You should get at least seven hours of sleep to help your mind and body relax and rejuvenate. A great way to help with your sleep is by avoiding exposure to TV, phone and computer screens an hour before retiring. Sleep is vital to your body’s ability to adapt to stress and change.
Good health should be a priority for every man, but sometimes you don’t give it the importance it deserves. As fathers, husbands, brothers, uncles, cousins and friends, you need to take charge of your health — if not for your sake, then for the sake of those you love. There’s just no excuse for putting your health at the very bottom of your to-do list. Let’s get back on the train together.
Written by LaVella Head