Health tips for men
Chill out
Got a Type A man in your life who spends much of the day under stress or, worse, feeling angry? Motivate him (Type A’s like to be motivated) to relax. Stress, particularly hostility, has damaging effects on the heart, and stress in general can lead to a wide range of health problems. Give – or schedule – him a massage. Encourage him to pray or meditate to ease the pressure – and do it with him to show your loving support. Plan a mini-vacation for the two of you so you can get away and relax.
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Stay connected
Research shows, unsurprisingly, that having close ties with others is key to maintaining good mental health. Let the men in your life know you are there for them – and prove it. Go out to coffee or for a walk every week, just to talk. Become more involved in your church or other close-knit groups to build more bridges of support for you and your loved ones. Building stronger bonds with the men in your life is good for you and for them.
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Prioritize shut-eye
Sleep deprivation runs rampant in our on-the-go society, yet it is one of the easiest – and most important – ways to promote good health. The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get seven to nine hours a night. Talk up the benefits of adequate shut-eye, such as more energy, a sharper mind, improved mental health and a lower risk of getting sick. Don’t forget to add that sufficient sleep promotes weight loss and bigger muscles (granted, a healthy diet and weight training is involved). Further, if it’s your hubby that needs more sleep, give him a reason to come to bed early!
Laugh and laugh some more
Isn’t laughter music to your ears? It’s also good for your health. Make a point to bring laughter into your loved ones’ lives, be it a joke, enjoying a comedy together, or even an ambush of tickling. Research shows that laughter reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system and even gives the body a fun and enjoyable cardio and abdominal workout. Sharing laughter also brings people together, so laugh loud and laugh often.
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Get screened
Encourage regular health screenings for the men in your life. Beyond the annual physical, depending on their age, men should have the following health assessments:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
- Bone health assessment
- Blood pressure check
- Cholesterol test
- Diabetes/blood glucose test
- Prostate cancer test
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Hearing and vision screening
- Skin cancer assessment
- Depression screening
- STD screening
- Dental checkup
- Other screenings as recommended by a doctor
| Early diagnosis is crucial in successful treatment. Men can use their annual physicals as an opportunity to discuss recommended screenings and to discuss any other medical and health concerns. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to disease prevention. |
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