June is Men’s Health Month, and OakBend Medical Center is encouraging men everywhere to prioritize their health through awareness and healthy habits. So many conditions that affect quality of life are avoidable through early detection and prevention efforts. Men can take charge of their health by taking care of themselves physically and emotionally, but family members can also be a part of the process by encouraging and supporting healthy and proactive lifestyle choices. Listed below are several healthy tips to keep men going strong at every age:
1. Attend routine checkups and screenings. This includes regular physical exams, testosterone screenings, colorectal testing, blood tests and urinalysis, bone density testing, and more. According to the Men’s Health Network, these critical screenings have been shown to improve health and reduce premature death and disability.
2. Commit to getting a good night’s sleep. Make sure your sleep environment is dark, quiet, and a comfortable temperature. Avoid using cellphones, tablets, laptops and other electronics right before bedtime to put you in a restful mindset. While individual sleep needs may vary, try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day to feel refreshed and energized.
3. Make time for two to three hours of moderate to intense physical activity on two or more days each or week. Regular exercise can be hard to squeeze into a busy schedule, but the physical and emotional benefits are well worth the effort. Find a fun physical activity such as swimming, biking, boxing, or anything else that keeps you active and happy.
4. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet, and be mindful of the foods that you are consuming. Watch your portion sizes and read nutrition labels to make sure you’re choosing the best fuel for your body. If it’s hard to stay on track, don’t go it alone — enlist the help of a family member or friend to cheer on your new healthy lifestyle choices.
5. Clear out the negative and embrace the positive aspects of your life. Try to curb detrimental habitats such as smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, and intense stress. Tame tension by building an emotional support system and finding activities that serve as positive outlets for releasing stress and anxiety.
(Infographic courtesy of EatRightPro, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
