In the United States, June is designated as Men’s Health Month to raise awareness about the ways men can improve and maintain their health. The five most important things that men (and women) can do for their health are to be tobacco free, stay physically active, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight for your height, and get recommended screening tests. In addition to the top five, there are other health behaviors that can increase your likelihood of living a long, healthy life. Below are details about important health behaviors for men:
Be Tobacco Free – This includes smokeless tobacco products as well. Visit CDC.gov for resources to help you be tobacco free.
Stay Physically Active – Aside from being tobacco free, exercising is the best thing that you can do for your health. There are 336 thirty-minute segments in a week. If you can spend 6 of them on exercise, you will be well on your way to a healthy lifestyle.
Eat a Healthy Diet – When it comes to fruits and vegetables, 5 per day will keep you alive, but 9 is divine! Also, whole grains, nuts, skinless poultry, fish, and fat free or low-fat dairy products are good choices for daily consumption. Try to stick to foods in their whole, natural form.
Maintain a Healthy Weight for Your Height – Choose healthy foods for daily consumption, limit unhealthy foods (e.g., soda, chips, cookies, and cakes), and watch your portion size to maintain a healthy weight. Also, try to spend as much time as you can engaging in active behaviors.
Relieve Stress – Dedicate time each day to reduce your stress. Everyone is different. Some people like to breathe deeply for five minutes, others like to exercise, and some prefer to read or complete a crossword puzzle. As long as it does not harm you or others, it does not matter what you do as long as it is relaxing to you!
Protect Yourself from the Sun – Wear sunscreen between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on skin exposed to direct sunlight. Ten to fifteen minutes of direct sun exposure before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm per day can help you prevent Vitamin D deficiency.
Follow Safety Practices – Wear your seatbelt, drive the speed limit, and follow other traffic safety laws when driving or riding in a car with others. Wear a helmet if you are riding a motorcycle or bicycle.
Manage Chronic Conditions – Take prescribed medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor and follow your doctor’s other health behavior recommendations to manage your condition(s).
Get Recommended Screening Tests: 2022_General and Gender Specific Health Screening Frequency Recommendations
Continue reading June 2022 Newsletter: Great Ways to Exercise Outdoors