Since Father’s Day is approaching this month, now is the opportune time to discuss men’s health by increasing the awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among men. All too often, men don’t seek regular health checkups and postpone seeking care when not feeling well. On average, men die five years younger than women—and at higher rates from nine of the top ten causes of death. Men are also less likely than women to be insured, which may contribute to their lower participation in preventive health care.
Nonetheless, there are several things we can do to promote the well-being of the men in our lives. And although men typically don’t practice self-care, following these recommendations may help:
- Encourage him to get physical. The benefits of physical activity for health outcomes are extensive. Still, many people find it difficult to motivate themselves to be active. Instead of simply telling him to exercise and hoping that he will, do it with him! Engaging in regular physical activity will boost fitness and reduce stress. Encourage him to join a recreational league in your community, sign up for group or personal training sessions to get fit, or make a routine out of regular walks. Walking with a spouse, family member, friend, neighbor, or even a pet makes it much more enjoyable (simple, yes, but not always easy).
- Encourage him to get a physical. Most of the factors that contribute to men’s shorter, less healthy lives are preventable. Prevention starts with seeing a healthcare provider regularly. Adult men in the United States visit primary care providers at lower rates than adult women. Establishing baselines for factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and PSA (a screening test for prostate cancer risk)—and monitoring how they change over time—will enable the provider to catch potentially dangerous conditions early, when they’re still treatable.
- Encourage him to eat healthy. Encourage him to eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to support energy and mood. That includes more fruits and vegetables, as well as lean meats and fish. Avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar content. If you help prepare his meals, try broiling, baking, or grilling lean cuts of meat or fish. And, if he likes to snack, keep healthy goodies in the house. Although it’s easier to grab a high-calorie snack than a healthy alternative, those calories add up! Finally, encourage him to drink water instead of soda and alcohol.
- Let him know you care. One reason men disregard their own health is that they’re too busy taking care of everyone else. What they don’t realize, however, is that if they die early, they’ll be hurting the very people they’ve worked so hard to protect. So, remind him that you and your family members love him and need him to be alive and healthy for as long as possible.
- Encourage him to socialize with family and friends. Having social connections with others for emotional support and companionship fosters health and happiness and reduces loneliness. Attending church and volunteering in ministries, at events, or in other activities promotes spiritual and emotional well-being. If he feels uncomfortable reaching out to others on his own, plan social activities with others.
- Encourage him to get adequate sleep. Getting 7–8 hours of sleep per night improves health and cognitive function. As we get older, it can be hard to sleep through the night. Encourage him to limit fluids before bedtime and avoid screen-based activities at least an hour before bed. If he seems to wake up frequently and snore, encourage him to talk with his healthcare provider to make sure he doesn’t have sleep apnea.
Although following some of these recommendations may take time and effort, our dads, husbands, partners, and friends will benefit in the long run by living longer and being healthier!
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