Just For The Health Of It

We all know that it’s common for men to skip the doctor until they become sick, injure themselves or are faced with a serious health problem. And a majority of men will postpone seeking care for a few days to see whether they feel any better. It’s the whole “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” line of thinking.

But there are steps the men in your life can take today to improve their vitality and help prevent health problems down the road. Of course, there are some things that can’t be changed, such as family history and age, but everyday choices can have a big impact on their current and future health.

Offer the men in your life the following tips for staying healthy:

 

Get routine health checkups, screenings and don’t forget dental exams. Just because you’re healthy doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Going to your health care provider for regular checkups could just save your life. By keeping up with these appointments, your health care provider can make sure you stay up-to-date with immunizations, yes, they’re for adults, too! and important preventive health screenings. It also gives you a chance to talk about any health concerns or changes you’ve noticed. Make sure to talk with your health care provider about your family medical history and ask which screenings you might need. You can walk into a Goodlife pharmacy today an get your BMI, blood pressure, vitamin and blood sugar checked for free.

Certain cancers depending on risk factors, including your age and family history

Depression: Did you know men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, which is thought to be due to under-diagnosed depression?

 

And, if you’re like most people, you dread going to the dentist, but add that to your “to do” list. Dental exams aren’t just important for your teeth and gums; your mouth may also be a red flag for other health conditions. You can also get your oral solutions at any goodlife pharmacy to keep you oral healthy.

Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating a diet that’s low in fat,cholesterol, and salt, and packed with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fiber can help improve your health, prevent heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

Get moving. Try to get 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. Taking a walk, jogging, swimming and mowing the lawn all count. But don’t be a weekend sports warrior. Start slowly if you aren’t normally active and gradually build up. Talk to your doctor about the right exercise program for you.

Lose the gut for good. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight, especially around the waist, can be hard on your body. Carrying too much body fat forces your heart to work harder and increases your chances of heart disease and stroke, even if you have no other risk factors! So, try to curb weight gain as you age.

Drink alcohol in moderation. If you drink alcohol, limit your consumption to no more than two drinks per day. )

Don’t use tobacco. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals and is a known cause of cancer. Smoking also increases the likelihood of high blood pressure, heart disease, lung problems and other health problems. And if you think chewing tobacco is safer, think again. Not only is chewing tobacco a known cause of cancer, it also contributes to gum disease and tooth loss and may be linked to fertility problems. If you smoke or chew, talk to your health care professional about ways to quit. Consider nicotine replacement therapy products that include self-help programs, if appropriate.

Learn to manage stress. Many men define themselves by their careers, which can raise stress levels. Over time, stress can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. Notice early warning signs of stress, such as irritability, tension in your shoulders and neck, grinding your teeth or clenching your hands into fists, and find healthy ways to de-stress.

Talk to family and friends about how they can help you integrate these tips into your everyday life and stick with them.