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on 6/3/2020
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BLOGS from St. Anthony
We all want the men in our lives to be happy, healthy, and live longer, but sometimes we feel like it’s a situation we have no control over. While external circumstances have an impact on overall happiness, it is possible to help guys develop healthier habits to help improve their (and your) life.
June is Men’s Health Month so we’ve compiled some health tips for the men in our lives:
- Visit the doctor regularly. He should choose a primary care physician with whom he trusts and feels comfortable with so that he can openly discuss any health concerns or issues. (If he needs to find a doctor, he can start the search here or by contacting or any one of the seven St. Anthony Clinic locations near him. ) Ideally, he should see the doctor annually for a physical, especially if age 40 or older. For those in their 20s or 30s, a check-up should be scheduled every two years.
- Eat a healthy diet. What we eat impacts our whole body, keeping it functioning at its best. Eating two to three servings of fish weekly supplies the body with important omega-3 fatty acids, which improve heart and brain health as well as help to reduce stress. Fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens and berries, contain vitamin C which can help boost his mood. Try replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats found in nuts and avocados for a healthier diet.
- Get up and move. Staying active and exercising regularly has many benefits such as maintaining healthy body weight, building muscle tone, strengthening heart health, and providing a mood-enhancing boost. The target goal is 30 minutes of moderate physical activity four to six days per week. The activity can range from golfing or running to yard work or playing basketball with the kids - the key is to keep moving.
- Reduce stress. Developing a work-life balance and finding healthy ways to de-stress is essential for overall well-being, especially in these uncertain times. Make sure he carves out 30 minutes to do something be enjoys, whether it be going for a run, reading, playing the guitar, or spending time with friends. He’ll be a better partner and father because of it.
- Stay connected. A great way to relax and improve his mood is by spending time with friends. Fishing, golfing, or grabbing a bite to eat are some ways to maintain and strengthen relationships with friends as well as older children. Ideally, it’s better to have face-to-face time versus online time with friends. If still practicing physical distancing, schedule a Zoom call or Google hangout to stay connected.
- Get enough zzz’s. Studies have shown that getting a good night’s sleep is essential to help both the body and mind to function as its best. A minimum of seven hours of sleep nightly is good, but eight is ideal. If falling asleep at night is an issue, avoid screen time (i.e. phones, tablets, laptops) for at least two hours before going to sleep.
- Kick the habit. If one of the men in your life is a smoker, encourage (don’t push) him to quit. It not only endangers his health but the health of his family and loved ones. Learn about the dangers of second-hand smoke here. Another vice, alcohol, can be enjoyed in moderation (one to two drinks per day). One drink is equivalent to a 12-ounce beer or 1.5-ounces of distilled spirits.
- Check below the belt. Sexual function and health can be maintained through exercise, a healthy diet, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep. However, best practices can still result in issues in the bedroom or bathroom. Over 40 percent of men will face one issue or another, so he can ask his primary care physicians for advice and treatment options without the risk of embarrassment.
Men of any age can increase their chances of living a happier, healthier, and longer life by adopting healthy behaviors and managing health conditions. St. Anthony Regional Hospital (Carroll, IA) is dedicated to improving the health of the people we serve. We believe in providing high quality, healthcare services responsive to the needs of our patients. For more information, visit our website or call us at 712-792-3581. Follow us on Facebook!
Sources
https://bestlifeonline.com/100-ways-to-be-a-healthier-man/
https://youngmenshealthsite.org/guides/staying-healthy/
https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19540525/ways-to-be-healthier/
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